New automated system to pay bus fare coming soon: Gemunu

20 November 2022 12:52 pm - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Central Bank (CB) Governor had approved the proposal to introduce a new automated system to issue bus tickets, Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne said.

He told the Daily Mirror that a new digital wallet system will be introduced to make the bus fare.

A wallet will be introduced from a bank where everyone can pay their bus fare with their debit or credit cards.

The buses will be equipped with new electronic devices that have the capability of accessing the GPS system. Passengers should swipe or place their credit or debit cards on the new devices from the place where they get in and out to complete the payment.

The buses will run without a conductor. The rear door of the buses will be kept closed.

"If the passengers do not have bank cards, they can pay the bus fare in cash, which they can deposit in a box near the driver. "The bus fare must be closer to the specified bus fare," he said.

However, the driver can employ an assistant to assist the bus with the permission of the bus owner, Wijerathne said.

He stated that CB will make arrangements to assist in the delivery of the new devices.

He said he had informed the CB governor about the new system. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

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Comments - 18

Fathima Lai Sunday, 20 November 2022 01:34 PM

Good idea except for that cash-box concept. Instead, sell prepaid cards with QR codes for those who don't have bank cards. Plus, I wouldn't trust a device attached to a bus to swipe my bank card anytime soon.

Reformist Sunday, 20 November 2022 02:23 PM

This will be a joke for SL. Can you imagine so many people trying to get in and out with the rear door closed and this card and money box? Bus drivers even do not allow an elderly person time to get out. This is SL we are talking about, not anywhere else. All of these projects will cost billions and nothing will happen for 25 years.

Gunadasa Sunday, 20 November 2022 02:53 PM

Better late than never. This should have started 25 years ago.

Iwazaru Sunday, 20 November 2022 03:07 PM

It is just a non technical talk. Why have access to GPS system. What is needed is a narrow band data connection to the main servers running the application.

joshua Sunday, 20 November 2022 03:44 PM

I wouldn't swipe the card anywhere

Mohan Sunday, 20 November 2022 04:13 PM

Ya. Cash box will spoil the whole idea. A card like the oyster card in London, specifically designed for travel in trains and buses, and can be topped up using cash or card, would be easier to use than using credit/debit cards. Also need to make sure the conductors are given employment elsewhere.

Trevor Dias Sunday, 20 November 2022 05:04 PM

Splendid! I wouldn't have to run after the conductor to get my balance back.

DOT Sunday, 20 November 2022 05:16 PM

Same time will give equal priority for cleanness!

Tissa Fernando Sunday, 20 November 2022 08:30 PM

Not going to work here. Someone will get a good commission from this project. That is the motivation.

Gerard Sunday, 20 November 2022 08:50 PM

I wouldn't want to swipe my bank details on a device in a bus. Why not purchase cards, like data cards. That's how it's done in other countries.

Rondy Sunday, 20 November 2022 08:56 PM

Good concept widely used in many countries but implementation is the issue in a country like SL. Since there is cash option, especially during rush hours, wonder how the driver checks if the passenger deposits the right amount. As we know most do not carry change

Sensible Being Monday, 21 November 2022 06:58 AM

I have not seen any country using bank cards for payment in buses. Using bank cards directly may lead to frauds. Normally, another card is issued for this purpose and this card is topped up by using debit or credit card.

Sambo Monday, 21 November 2022 07:13 AM

This system has been coming soon for ten years or more.

MAP Hemachandra Monday, 21 November 2022 07:20 AM

This was started by me in 2018 when I was Chairman NTC. Delay was People's Bank was progressing on their implementation of Digitilation process. PB has finished this in 2020. NTC would have done this in 2020. Delay was due to NTC management who didn't contiuethe implemenation.

joganathan Monday, 21 November 2022 08:21 AM

finally lanka moves a step forward that should have started like 20 years ago. oh wait last time it was ministers and presidents priorities first, finally something for everyday people good move

Shakeel Salam Monday, 21 November 2022 09:16 AM

Good idea. First get better buses on the road. Bring in the private investor and lower the tax on these imports. Our buses are worst and unsafe.

Thiruchelvam Gajendiran Monday, 21 November 2022 10:57 AM

Good concept..but the passengers count should be for seat limits...not a single passenger should stand...the bus should not take off the stand until the passenger gets in and takes the seat....more busses...more employments..etc etc..

M Fernando Monday, 21 November 2022 12:02 PM

Perhaps this is one of Ranils Robots collecting the fare ?

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New automated system to pay bus fare coming soon: Gemunu

Comments - 18

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