Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Apr 7: The state-run Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) has announced that all intra-city electric buses operating under the Panaji Smart City initiative will soon function without conductors across all seven routes.
The move follows a phased rollout that began last week, when three routes Altinho (green), Taleigao (orange), and Cujira (indigo) transitioned to conductor-less operations using pole-mounted ticket validators for fare collection.
KTCL Managing Director Rohan Kaskar stated that the decision aligns with the operational agreement signed with Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL), which mandated a fully digital, conductor-less system from the outset.
“We initially retained conductors to help passengers get used to the service after its launch in July last year. Now that people are more familiar with it, we’ve implemented the conductor-less model on three routes and will soon cover all routes,” Kaskar said.
The e-bus drivers have been trained to assist commuters with digital ticketing. Passengers can now tap their Smart Transit Cards upon entry and exit to calculate the fare based on the journey length. Alternatively, they can make UPI payments or scan QR codes using the 'Tomok' app, which also offers live bus tracking and contactless ticketing options.
The remaining routes, including the busy Panaji market to Dona Paula stretch, still operate with a mixed system accepting both digital payments and cash. The transition here will be gradual, KTCL officials confirmed.
To enhance commuter experience, KTCL is also upgrading city bus stops with features such as real-time bus tracking, pre-booking facilities, and digital route displays.
The e-bus service, which began in July 2023, has seen a positive response, logging over 5,000 daily footfalls. Covering areas like Miramar, Dona Paula, Goa University, GMC Bambolim, and St Cruz, the fleet includes over 40 e-buses with seating capacities of 49, 26, and 14. Fares remain affordable at Rs 10 and Rs 20, depending on travel distance.
Authorities acknowledged that while early attempts at cashless ticketing in November last year faced resistance, a step-by-step implementation is helping commuters adapt smoothly to the technology-driven system.