Soon BMTC launches smart ETM for seamless digital ticketing experience for commuters

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In a step towards digital public transport and enhanced commuting convenience, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) finally set out to introduce smart electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) to support UPI and National Public Mobile Card (NCMC) payments. The move is in response to the increased public demand for more accessible and contactless payment methods in urban buses.

BMTC recently tendered these Android-based handheld devices, which the conductor will use to issue tickets and process digital payments in real time. The new ETM is expected to improve the existing system, which currently relies on static UPI QR codes pasted inside the bus – a method many commuters find frustrating and outdated.

BMTC officials explained: “Smart ETM is an Android-based device that can capture ticket information using 5G or Wi-Fi, print tickets immediately, and transfer real-time data to a central fare collection system. It will support QR code scanning, as well as payments based on UPI and NCMC cards. The device also has a high-resolution touch display and an in-Built Printer device.

Fare Collection System

Selected technology providers will not only provide smart ETM, but will also develop and maintain a comprehensive fare collection system. “This includes central network-based software for ticketing, dashboards for real-time monitoring, integration with existing automated vehicle positioning systems (AVLs), and compliance with strict performance and safety standards,” the official added.

This development is based on BMTC’s advance efforts in January 2024, when the company introduced static UPI QR codes in nearly 75% of fleets following commuters’ requests. BMTC officials earlier said that since then, digital payments have been charged in large quantities, and UPI transactions now account for 20% of BMTC’s daily ticket revenue, with an estimated Rs 6 million a day.

But passengers say the current approach still presents challenges. “In a packaged bus, finding a QR code is like playing hide and seek. Sometimes the code is stuck near the front door, sometimes near the exit, during peak hours, there is no way to not bother others. Shivajinagar.

Commuters’ needs

Commuters have also been urging BMTC to implement NCMC functionality, especially since BMRCL has introduced NCMC. “It’s something we’ve been waiting for. I mostly exhausted all uses, but the QR system in the current bus is inconvenient. I used to have to ask a stranger to move so that I could scan the code pasted above the window. The conductor still insisted on the payment screen. I showed the payment screen. The process was far from seamless. From Bannagarta Road to the majestic commuter.

Meanwhile, Karnataka State Road Transport Company (KSRTC) has released a similar digital payment plan. Since November 2024, it has adopted cashless ticketing in its fleet of 8,800 buses and is backed by over 10,000 smart ETMs.