Tokens will replace paper tickets on BRTS

AHMEDABAD: If everything goes according to plan, the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) ticketing system will eventually be paperless. Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited (AJL) will soon introduce token system, much like metro railways in Delhi.
At present, BRTS passengers have to buy paper tickets to board the bus and while alighting the passengers have to produce the tickets to AJL officials manning the BRTS bus stops.
Chief planner and associate director, Cept University, Shivanand Swamy, said, "The system will help in cutting down the manpower required at BRTS bus stations as there will be no need for checking the tickets manually." He added, "Also, the collected tokens can be reissued again to BRTS commuters. However, it is still in the planning stage."
During the 10 months of BRTS operations, the smart card system failed to take off causing heartburn to the civic body. Deputy municipal commissioner UC Padia said, "The flap system for access to BRTS bus stops has better advantages over the traditional mode. It will also ease off the work to manage high flow of BRTS passengers."
The system will also facilitate the easy movement of physically challenged people. The mechanism involves a coin collector system with RFID technology which can be interfaced to the coin reader for the purpose of fare collection. In case someone tries to make a forceful entry, the system will block the person.