Him Bus card for free, concessional travel launched

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has launched the RFID-based ‘Him Bus’ card system to digitise and streamline the process of providing free and concessional travel facilities to eligible categories of passengers across its bus network. The card will be made mandatory for availing of free or concessional travel benefits under 22 categories.

The cost of the card has been fixed at Rs 200 plus Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a one-time initial fee, which will include the first year’s concession. From the second year onward, an annual renewal fee of Rs 150 plus the GST shall be applicable. In case of any change in source, destination, class or designation, a request for change fee of Rs 50 plus the GST will apply. In the event of the card being lost or damaged, a fresh card will be issued upon the payment of Rs 200 plus the GST. The new card will initially be valid for one year and thereafter, its validity will be subject to annual renewal.

The eligible applicants can apply online for the card on the HRTC Portal after creating their HIMACCESS ID (one-time registration) via the “Signup for Citizen Login” option on the Himaccess Portal. Payments will be accepted only through online modes such as Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.

The eligible passengers included students of up to Class XII, colleges and institutions recognised by the government, police and jail personnel, former MLAs and MPs, among others.