Solution to bus travellers' small change problem
Prepaid smart cards in private, SLCTB buses:
Rasika SOMARATHNA
 The hassle of carrying small change to pay for bus tickets would soon
be a thing of the past as the National Transport Commission (NTC) plans
to introduce prepaid smart cards in both private and state buses.
These prepaid cards similar to phone or debit cards could be
purchased and recharged by commuters as they are designed using the Near
Field Communications (NFC) technology, NTC sources said.
The conductor will use a swipe machine to deduct the specified fare
for the journey from the commuters' card balance, every time a passenger
with a smart card gets into the bus.
The NTC has called for tenders for the supply of smart cards to
launch the project shortly.
The NTC in a communique yesterday called the proposed system a
win-win situation for all both financially and socially. They pointed
out the proposed mechanism will help iron out anomalies in the system
and minimise disputes.
One issue according to the NTC which would be settled with the
introduction of the new system will be the frequent disputes between the
commuter and the conductor on the fare and small change.
The new system is also expected to benefit bus owners as they will be
assured of their full income without the suspicion of embezzlement of
monies by the drivers and conductors. According to the NTC, bus owners
are of the view they loose about 20 - 25 percent of the income generated
daily by their vehicles due to fraudulent acts of their workers.
The NTC pointed out the Central Bank too will benefit as they will
have to spend less to produce coins as the demand for small change will
be reduced in a big way. With the advent of the card system, they also
plan to introduce concessionary rates in buses to those who are in need
of such facilities.
All transactions in the smart card system will be channeled through
an established financial institution validated by the Central Bank, the
sources said. According to the NTC, more than 23,000 buses ply along
roads. The total daily income generated exceeds Rs.200 million.
The NTC says details for submitting tenders could be obtained by
either visiting its website [email protected] or by calling 011-2587372
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