CTU to soon launch QR code-based payment mode

Chandigarh, September 22

Passengers travelling in Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) buses will no longer need cash to buy ticket as they will soon be able to make payment by scanning the QR code with their mobile phone.

The CTU will soon provide this facility under the Digital India initiative as the National Payment Corporation of India has made it mandatory to provide QR code-based payment facility in the CTU buses.

As a pilot project, the facility will be provided in eight to 10 buses on one or two routes, after which the new system will be implemented in all buses. For this, the department has sought applications from interested banks and companies. After getting this facility, it will be easy for the passengers to make online payment.

A senior official of the Transport Department, UT, said they would soon provide this facility in all CTU buses and the passengers would be able to purchase the ticket by just scanning the QR code available with the bus conductor.

He said the department had been working on the project for the past quite some time and now they were hopeful to launch it soon. Interested banks and companies can apply by September 25 and the hired bank or the company would have to design and provide the UPI QR code, he said. The department will provide this facility in addition to the cash transactions, as the earlier system of purchasing the ticket in cash will also continue.

The system would be made available in local and long-route buses and it would help the passengers in maintaining safety amid the Covid-19 pandemic, he added.

The CTU had recently resumed the inter-state bus service to the states of Punjab and Haryana.

At present, the tickets could be purchased online on CTU website ctuonline.chd.gov.in or through the mobile app, “CTU Musafir”, dedicated for the purpose. — TNS