QR codes in BMTC buses ready for scanning, but payments on hold
Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has rolled out QR-code based UPI payments in most of its buses, but the new system is facing underutilisation. This is reportedly due to conductors discouraging passengers from using the digital payment option.
QR code posters are now displayed on the side panels of many BMTC buses, allowing passengers to make digital payments. Once a payment is confirmed, conductors issue tickets as usual. However, the UPI payment system is yet to be fully implemented.
“In a city like Bengaluru, where UPI is the norm everywhere, from tea stalls to high-end stores, it’s honestly disappointing that the lifeline of Bengaluru, the BMTC buses hasn’t embraced it yet fully,” Aditi Reddy, a daily commuter, told the New Indian Express. She added that living in a tech-driven city, it’s frustrating to see public transport stuck in the past, noting that digital payments would save time and make travel more convenient, especially during peak hours when buses are crowded.
BMTC conductors, on the other hand, highlighted several challenges with adopting QR code-based UPI payments. They cited issues with poor internet connectivity in certain areas, leading to payment verification failures. This makes it difficult to confirm if payments have been successfully processed.
Additionally, conductors pointed out the increased workload due to the Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel for women. A BMTC bus conductor explained to the publication that they are required to verify the Aadhaar card of every woman passenger and issue zero tickets. On top of this, they must also check daily and monthly passes, student passes, and other documents. Conductors mentioned that juggling these tasks while trying to verify UPI payments, particularly during busy hours, makes the process challenging.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
