Hubballi: UPI Payment System to be Expanded in All Buses – NWKRTC MD Bharat S

Hubballi: The UPI payment system, launched experimentally in buses by the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation, has garnered a positive response from the public. NWKRTC Managing Director Bharat announced the extension of the system to all buses in the Hubballi Rural Division, with plans for further expansion across all buses in the near future.

In a bid to enhance public transport’s comfort and user-friendliness, the corporation is rolling out several initiatives. With both state and central governments advocating for cashless transactions, the UPI payment system, facilitated through PhonePe Company, commenced its trial run in buses of the Hubballi Rural 3rd Unit from September 1.

Under this new system, each conductor is provided with a dedicated static QR code. The ticket distribution machines used by conductors underwent necessary modifications, accompanied by training sessions for the conductors. Passengers are now able to make payments using PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM, PayTM, Amazon Pay, and other UPI applications.

The UPI system has proven to be a game-changer, solving the change problem, facilitating cashless travel, and saving valuable time, leading to an unexpectedly positive response from both the public and staff, mentioned the MD.

As of now, the system has witnessed 27,498 UPI payment transactions, totaling Rs. 71,60,337. The initiative has been successfully extended to all 452 buses in the Hubballi Rural Division in collaboration with PhonePe.

Recognizing the numerous advantages, there is a growing demand from the public and staff to extend the UPI payment system to other buses. Various public and private service providers have stepped forward to assist in extending the system to the remaining 4,129 buses of the corporation. The expansion will be implemented shortly after finalizing the necessary procedures.