With untrained staff, UPSRTC smart cards of little use in Bijnor

Bijnor: In the absence of technological knowledge among ground staff, Uttar Pradesh Surface Transport Corporation’s (UPSRTC) smartcard service launched here in May 2014 is of little use to consumers who are compelled to buy tickets.
“I purchased a card in February and recharged it with Rs 2,000. But because the operators are not tech-savvy and can’t operate the system properly, I have to purchase tickets anyway.Last month, the conductor on a bus to Agwanpur threatened to de-board me saying my card had insufficient balance. I had to buy a ticket even though my card had over Rs 1,000. I lodged a complaint with UPSRTC but no step was taken,” said Nand Kishore, district informatics officer.
Another regular commuter, Shishram Singh – a Punjab National Bank employee – has taken to teaching conductors how to operate the machines. “Most operators don’t understand how the machine works. A friend of mine, who is a conductor, had shown me how to use the machine. Ever since, whenever I board a bus, I ask the conductor if he can use the machine. If not, I teach him and pay using my smart card.”
Meanwhile, UPSRTC traffic superintendent Ayush Bhatnagar said every complaint received is promptly looked into a resolved. “Employees have been trained to operate the machines. We have received complaints before and every time, we look into the matter and try to improve the service,” he said.
Commuters can avail smartcards by paying Rs 550 and submitting a photo identity proof. The cards, valid for five years, come with a balance of Rs 600 and are provided in 45 days. They can be recharged at any bus depot and travelers get 20% more value than what they pay for on every recharge. UPSRTC sources said 1,220 cards have been issued in Bijnor so far.