Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Aug 7: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has achieved a major milestone in its digital payment initiative, with Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions accounting for more than half of its total ticket revenue, reflecting the growing preference for cashless travel among commuters.
According to BMTC data, UPI payments contributed Rs 313.4 crore, or 51.4 per cent of the corporation's total ticket revenue between January 1 and July 30 this year. During the period, BMTC earned Rs 609.5 crore through ticket sales.
The sharp rise in digital transactions follows the introduction of dynamic QR codes on Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs), which generate a unique QR code for every ticket purchase, making transactions more secure and reducing the chances of payment fraud.
The share of UPI payments has increased significantly over the past year. While digital transactions accounted for 22.2 per cent of BMTC's ticket revenue in January 2025, the figure rose to 50.9 per cent by December and has now crossed the 51 per cent mark.
Earlier, BMTC had introduced static QR codes to facilitate advance payments. However, the system was discontinued after instances of commuters allegedly using fake or edited payment screenshots to claim successful transactions. The dynamic QR code system was later introduced to ensure secure, real-time payments.
Despite the success of the digital initiative, connectivity issues continue to affect smooth ticketing operations. Under the current system, conductors enter a passenger's destination into the ETM, which then generates a QR code for payment. However, poor mobile network coverage often delays transactions or causes payment failures.
The problem is reported to be more common on routes operating in Bengaluru's peripheral areas, where internet connectivity remains inconsistent.
While BMTC's cashless payment drive has reduced cash handling and improved convenience for commuters, addressing network connectivity challenges is expected to be key to ensuring seamless digital ticketing across the city's bus network.