Cashless ticketing facility launched for HRTC buses
Shimla, March 7
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today launched cashless ticketing system in Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses. The facility has been started in three districts — Shimla, Hamirpur and Una — to begin with and would be introduced in other parts of the state as well shortly.
“Now, passengers will be able to buy tickets by paying through credit card, debit card or the UPI. The passengers will get rid of the problem of carrying loose change to pay the fare and the disputes between the passengers and the conductor due to it would also end,” said Agnihotri. Along with cashless services, passengers will continue to have the option of cash payment.
On the occasion, Agnihotri also announced the release of 4 per cent dearness allowance for the HRTC employees with immediate effect.
Besides, the minister inaugurated a shuttle bus service to Jubbarhatti airport from the old bus stand. This facility has been started by the HTRC in collaboration with the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. The fare for this shuttle bus service is Rs 200 per passenger. The HRTC will consider running additional shuttle bus service as the number of flights increases.
“The time table can be changed according to the arrival and departure time of the planes, the details of which will be available on the HRTC website,” said a government spokesperson.
The Deputy Chief Minister also launched the online bus pass facility for college students. The facility will spare the students from standing in long queues to make bus passes. “The HRTC is continuously improving its services and beginnings have been made in that direction,” said Agnihotri.
The minister further said that the HRTC had signed an agreement with the Uttar Pradesh government for running a bus service to Ayodhya. The first bus service to Ayodhya started from Hamirpur on Wednesday and two more services from Shimla and Una will start shortly.
