CHANDIGARH: The Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has approved the procurement of Digital Electronic Ticketing Machines for state-run bus services, marking a major step towards modernising public transport through technology-driven reforms. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and passenger convenience by enabling digital payments such as QR code, UPI and card-based transactions, while also reducing dependence on cash.
The new ticketing system will be GPS-enabled, offering real-time tracking of buses, information on nearby stops and better journey planning for passengers across urban and rural routes. Importantly, the government has ensured that its welfare commitments remain unaffected, with free bus travel for women continuing under the upgraded system through smart cards. Students will also be provided smart cards, rechargeable via a mobile application.
Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said the digital ticketing machines would strengthen monitoring of ticket sales and bus operations, improve revenue transparency and support better planning and expansion of bus services. He added that the initiative reflects the Mann Government’s commitment to delivering efficient, inclusive and technology-enabled public transport for the people of Punjab.
