MSRTC pet smart card project falls flat after 3 years in operation

MUMBAI: For the last six months, around 40 lakh commuters across the state travelling by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses have not been able to use their smart cards. What’s worse, the renewal process for these cards is also shut.

Officials from MSRTC said the contracts for smart cards, which were given to private companies, lapsed in June following which an extension was granted till August.

“We are still in talks with the private agencies and figuring a way out to ensure smart cards are back in use. However, this is not impacting our revenue or passenger base,” said a senior MSRTC officer.

Commuters are irked as they have loaded these smart cards with money and are unable to use them.

Not only that the renewal of cards has stopped, but issuance of new cards has also been closed.

In 2018, MSRTC had announced smart cards based on a government resolution that mandated all concessions via smart card with the aim to prevent any misuse.