The Punjab government has approved the rollout of digital electronic ticketing machines across its network of state-run buses, enabling passengers to pay for travel using UPI, QR codes, debit and credit cards, as well as traditional offline payment options.
Key Highlights
- Punjab approves UPI-enabled e-ticketing machines to enable cashless payments on state-run buses.
- Digital ticketing aims to improve commuter convenience, transparency, and transport efficiency statewide.
Under the new system, GPS-enabled machines will allow commuters to purchase tickets digitally, check seat availability, and view real-time bus tracking and nearby stops, significantly improving convenience and journey planning. Officials say the move is aimed at reducing reliance on cash, cutting down waiting times, and modernising public transport services throughout both urban and rural areas.
Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar highlighted that the initiative will also support existing welfare schemes. Free travel for women will continue seamlessly through smart cards, while students will receive rechargeable smart cards that can be topped up via a mobile application. These enhancements are expected to make bus travel more accessible and affordable for residents and visitors alike.
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From an administrative perspective, the digital ticketing infrastructure is projected to boost transparency in revenue collection, reduce manual processes, and provide data that can help the Transport Department with better planning, monitoring, and resource deployment. This shift reflects Punjab’s broader push towards cashless, technology-driven public services aimed at enhancing commuter experience and operational efficiency.
