Gujarat: GSRTC records 1.03 crore QR ticket payments, expands online booking

Gandhinagar, June 22 (IANS) More than 1.03 crore QR code-based ticket transactions were recorded on Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) buses between April 2025 and May 2026, generating revenue of over Rs 112.45 crore and reflecting the growing adoption of cashless travel across the state’s public transport network.

The figures were released as GSRTC outlined a series of digital initiatives aimed at improving passenger convenience, transparency and operational efficiency.

The corporation has introduced QR code-enabled Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) across its services, allowing passengers to pay fares digitally while reducing dependence on cash transactions.

According to GSRTC, QR code payments have increased significantly over the past year. Monthly transactions rose from 4.6 lakh in April 2025 to more than 17.34 lakh in May 2026.

The corporation said the system is currently generating an average monthly revenue of Rs 19.37 crore.

GSRTC Public Relations Officer (PRO) Shraddha Bhatt said 10,500 new e-BTM machines had been allocated across 125 depots operating under the corporation’s 16 divisions.

“The QR code payment facility, which was initially introduced in premium bus services, has now been extended to all GSRTC services and depots following a favourable response from passengers,” she said.

Bhatt emphasised that the digital payment system would help eliminate difficulties faced by passengers in obtaining change during journeys while also strengthening passenger-oriented services.

“Reduced cash handling has improved transparency in operations and saved time and effort for conductors,” she added.

The corporation has also expanded its online reservation network to include around 2,500 local bus trips covering distances of more than 100 kilometres.

Previously, online booking facilities were largely available for premium and selected long-distance services.

The move is expected to benefit passengers in rural and remote areas, enabling them to reserve tickets in advance without visiting bus stations.

GSRTC said the online booking facility had received a positive response as it reduced the need for passengers to stand in long queues.

During the first six months of 2026, the corporation operated 39,372 premium and non-premium trips.

Booking levels remained strong during the summer travel season, with premium air-conditioned services recording an occupancy rate of 78.85 per cent in May 2026.

Volvo services registered booking rates of 50 per cent in April and 57.81 per cent in May, while non-premium sleeper buses recorded an average booking rate of 77.53 per cent during the six months, according to the corporation.

GSRTC said the expansion of digital payment and reservation facilities forms part of its wider efforts to modernise public transport services and improve accessibility for passengers across Gujarat.

–IANS

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