Prepaid card, mobile app launched for Patna buses

By: Anusha Kaushik
PATNA: Patnaites can now make use of cards for travelling on city service buses being run by the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC). Christened ‘Chalo Common Mobility Cards’, these are prepaid in nature and can be recharged on a regular basis.
The travel cards were introduced by transport minister Santosh Kumar Nirala at a function organized to mark one year of the commencement of city service buses in the city on Tuesday.
Students at the launch of “chalo’ mobile app in Patna on Tuesday
Addressing the event, the minister said, “Now, Patnaites do not have to wait too long for buses as they are available on all important routes at an interval of every 15 minutes.”
According to transport secretary Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, “The ‘Chalo Common Mobility Card’ fulfils the state government’s vision of providing affordable and hassle-free transport to people. Any bus conductor can recharge it at a sum ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 3,000.”
The BSRTC’s ‘Chalo’ mobile application, which comprises monthly bus passes, was also launched on the occasion. Like the travel cards, these passes can also be recharged using different amounts — Rs 600 for general category, Rs 550 for women, Rs 500 for boy students and Rs 450 for girls).
Transport department officials claimed that the app could show the cheapest fares, nearby bus stops and provide real-time information about arrival of buses, making it easier for people to commute.
“We expect that the app and the travel card will help increase footfall and improve revenue,” Agarwal said.
The city service facility of the BSRTC comprises 110 buses running on 14 different routes in the state capital. These are fitted with global positioning system.
Magadh Mahila College student Monica Bharadwaj hailed the BSRTC’s initiative, saying, “Private bus conductors and auto drivers charge exorbitant fares. The ‘Chalo’ app and travel card will make travelling easier and cheaper.”
Patna Women’s College’s Swati Singh said the app would save time as well as money and provide security.
Beera Yadav, a 29-year-old transgender, told this newspaper, “The state government has decided to provide concessional rates to us while travelling on city buses.”