New ticket vending machines on Mwasalat buses hailed by commuters and drivers
Mwasalat buses have started trial run of issuing tickets through their newly installed Point of Sale (PoS) machines.
So how does it work? The passenger boards the bus and tells the driver about his or her desired destination. The driver then feeds the data in the machine and the ticket is issued and given after payment.
This trial run is being carried out on the routes inside Muscat city including Amerat, Ma’abela and Muttrah.
The initiative has not only helped passengers but bus drivers as well.
A Mwasalat city bus driver in Ruwi area, said, “This machine has helped us a lot. It has helped us track those who evade fares. It saves time and makes ticket sales easier.
“We just have to feed the data into the machine and the ticket pops out from the other side and our work is done.
“Earlier, we had to remember the destination and then select a ticket manually from the bundles of tickets packed together with rubber bands.
“This means more waiting time for passengers. It was also tedious process when passengers boarded the bus in the middle of the journey. So this machine is a blessing.”
Shahid Ali, a regular commuter with Mwasalat, said, “I am a regular commuter on Mwasalat buses. I travel everyday to Al Khuwayr for my work by Mwasalat buses. Before the machines were installed, there would be long queues in front of the bus door.
“So, we had to wait outside the bus till the tickets were issued by the driver. Now it is easier. Enter, tell your destination and get the ticket immediately.”
Another commuter added, “I am happy that this facility is functional now and is being implemented on several bus routes. There is another machine for swiping cards and making payment via mobile phones. However, they are not functional yet. Once they are functional, then things would be far more easier for the drivers and the commuters.”
Another Mwasalat bus driver said, “The new system has many advanced facilities but customers will be allowed to use them only later.”