STS Buses Go Cashless: Transport Dept Introduces QR-Based UPI Payments for Tickets

Say goodbye to the daily struggle of finding exact change for your bus ticket! In a major step towards digital governance and passenger convenience, the Transport Department of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has officially rolled out a QR code-based cashless fare collection system for government buses.

Rolled out in its first phase, this facility is currently active on Administration-operated STS (State Transport Service) buses running under the Bus Terminus in Sri Vijaya Puram. Commuters can now pay their bus fares instantly using any UPI-enabled mobile application (like GPay, PhonePe, or Paytm) simply by scanning the QR code provided by the Bus Conductors.

Key Benefits of the New System

• No More Coin Shortages: Eliminates the hassle of carrying exact cash or fighting for loose change.
• Speed & Efficiency: Reduces transaction times, allowing conductors to issue tickets faster and keeping buses on schedule.
• Transparency: Ensures secure, transparent fare collection and drastically minimizes the physical handling of cash.
• Digital Empowerment: Aligns with the Government's broader vision of creating a digitally empowered society and promoting the "ease of doing business."

This citizen-friendly initiative is expected to massively improve the daily travel experience for office commuters, students, and tourists visiting the islands. By adopting innovative technologies, the Transport Department aims to make public transit safer and completely hassle-free.

Keep Your UPI Apps Ready!

The Transport Department has issued a strong appeal to the general public to actively utilize this new digital payment facility. Commuters are requested to keep their preferred UPI apps ready while boarding to support the island's smooth transition towards a 100% cashless public transportation network.  Source: DT Andaman