Bengaluru to Launch Unified Smart Card for Women's Public Transport
Unified Shakti smart card planned to enable seamless travel on BMTC buses and Namma Metro for women
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
Bengaluru's State government plans to introduce a Unified Shakti smart card for women, enabling seamless travel on BMTC buses and Namma Metro. This card will integrate free bus travel benefits with a rechargeable payment system for Metro services, simplifying public transport access for women commuters.
- 01The Unified Shakti smart card will allow women to travel for free on BMTC buses and recharge for Namma Metro journeys.
- 02Eligible women can apply for the card free of charge through online or offline methods, including citizen service centres.
- 03The card aims to replace the current zero-fare ticket system, enhancing efficiency and reducing fraud in identity verification.
- 04The initiative is part of the Shakti programme, which has been recognized for facilitating the highest number of free travel for women under a public transport scheme.
- 05The smart card will improve data accuracy for conductors and streamline the verification process during busy travel times.
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The Bengaluru State government is set to introduce a Unified Shakti smart card aimed at enhancing public transport accessibility for women. This card will integrate the benefits of the Shakti scheme, which offers free travel on Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses, with a rechargeable payment option for Namma Metro services. Women commuters will be able to apply for the card at no cost through various channels, including online applications and citizen service centres. The initiative seeks to replace the current method of issuing zero-fare tickets, which has faced issues with identity verification and fraudulent claims. By using the smart card, conductors will swipe the card on electronic ticketing machines, generating zero-value tickets automatically and improving the accuracy of passenger records. Launched on June 11, 2023, the Shakti programme has already gained recognition for its significant impact on women's mobility in Karnataka, making this new card an essential step towards more efficient public transport.
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The introduction of the Unified Shakti smart card will streamline public transport for women in Bengaluru, enhancing their mobility and access to services.
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