DTC to phase out paper tickets, go fully digital by September-end

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The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is set to complete its switch to a fully digital ticketing system by the end of September, replacing the traditional white and pink paper tickets.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the digital ticketing system will be more than just a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine dispensing tickets. A senior Transport department official was quoted as saying that these e-ticketing machines or e-POS machines will have modern features like GPS-enabled to ensure safety of passengers.

As per officials, the digital ticketing system has been launched on a pilot basis at Rajghat 2, Kalkaji and Hasanpur depots, which run around 700 buses.

“The pilot project has been successful. The DTC is procuring over 7,000 e-POS machines in tie-up with Canara Bank… these will be launched by September end,” an official told The Indian Express, adding that, gradually, this system will be extended to cluster buses.

“With the help of these machines, the department will also track the movement of buses, its estimated time of arrival and departure and monitor how crowded the buses are… Overall, the department will get real-time data on the number of passengers and wait time at each bus stop…,” the official added.

Officials further said that using real-time data, DTC will be able to juggle its routes and bus schedule while also carrying out route rationalisation.

“A digital ticketing system will also help the government save money. For instance, at present, Pink tickets are issued to women for free travel in buses. But it has been noticed that many conductors give away multiple tickets without even checking because it’s free and the government pays the DTC for the same… With this system, we can get real-time data on how many passengers have used the bus through ticket sales,” said the official.

People would be able to buy tickets via online and UPI payment modes, the official added. “Those who don’t have online payment facilities would be able to buy tickets with cash, which will be generated through these machines. For women, the machine will generate a ticket but they won’t have to pay for it,” he was quoted as saying.