Mira-Bhayandar launches cashless bus ticketing with QR codes

In India, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has launched a new e-ticketing system for public transport buses, allowing commuters to make cashless payments using QR codes. This initiative, in collaboration with PhonePe, utilizes the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) to facilitate seamless transactions. Conductors are equipped with unique QR code lanyards, enabling passengers to scan the code, enter the fare, and complete the payment directly from their bank accounts. After a successful trial in five buses, the service has been expanded to 60 out of 90 buses, with plans to implement it across the remaining vehicles shortly. The MBMC's decision to digitize ticketing comes as ridership is increasing significantly, with daily passenger numbers ranging from 95,000 to 100,000. The daily revenue from ticket sales exceeds Rs 9.5 lakh, indicating a robust demand for public transport services. The initiative aims to alleviate the inconvenience of cash transactions, ensuring that commuters do not need to carry cash or worry about having the exact fare. The public transport system operates a fleet of regular, AC Volvos, and Midis across more than 20 routes in the twin-city area. The MBMC has adopted a wet leased gross cost contract model, partnering with two private agencies to manage operations while retaining conductors for revenue collection. As the civic administration anticipates further growth in ridership, projections suggest that daily passenger numbers could surpass 1.25 lakh in the coming months.