Smart card for DTS city buses

After a successful dry run, the city bus operator, Dream Team Sahara (DTS), is all set to introduce a ‘smart card’ system for commuters from April 1. “We conducted a compatibility test for few weeks and found it to be doing well,” said chairman of DTS Nishikant Mishra.

The system will also put an end to the daily wrangle over change, which often led to heated exchanges between commuters and the conductor. Conductors would often offer toffee in lieu of coins following the scarcity.

The smart card can be purchased at Rs 300 and recharged for a minimum Rs 50, sources said. A commuter is required to swipe the card in a device available with conductor leading to deduction of exact fare for the journey. The smart card has bar code, which eliminates any possibility of tampering and confusion, he added.

The smart card can be used in all city buses plying in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri and is transferrable.

“Friends, family and relative of a card holder can use the card while travelling in city buses,” DTS chief executive officer Sudhansu Jena said. “We also plan to offer discounts on the recharge vouchers,” he added.

Everyday around 55,000 people board the 95 buses plying on different routes in the capital city.