The new smart transit card of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL), which offers discounts on bus tickets and 'cashless' travel in Goa, has reduced the hassles of bus passengers as well as bus conductors. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recently introduced this e-card of the public transport corporation KTCL. On using this smart card, passengers get a 10% discount on fares in more than 1,000 buses operated by KTCL.

KTCL divisional traffic officer Roke Luis said the card can be applied for online through a dedicated website. He said the smart transit card is free but an initial amount of Rs 150 is charged which can be redeemed when the card is used. "The amount deposited in the card can be used while travelling. Basically, it is a tapping card. Instead of paying cash, passengers just have to tell the conductor that they have the card," Luis said.

The card is free for

Louis said that bus passengers are liking the smart card very much because passengers get a 10 per cent discount on bus fares on using the card and they do not need to carry cash to buy tickets. He said, "This card is completely free for senior citizens, students and differently-abled persons. Students and senior citizens already get a 50 per cent discount on travel within the state, so they will not get any additional discount. However, general passengers will get a 10 per cent discount."

Now there is no need to buy ticket from conductor

Rajendra Uttam Waigankar, a frequent bus traveller, said now there is no need to carry cash or loose change to buy tickets from the conductor. "This is indeed a good initiative. However, the government should set up a help desk to help those who face difficulty in applying online," he said. Another passenger Girish Naik also said now KTCL's smart transit card has made fare payment much easier for commuters and bus conductors. He said daily commuters, senior citizens and students will benefit from the government's initiative.