NTC to introduce e-cards replacing bus tickets

COLOMBO (News 1st): The National Transport Commission (NTC) will introduce an 'Electronic-card' to replace bus tickets under the "E-ticketing concept", officials said on Thursday (Feb. 11). The software used for this purpose is currently being developed, Commander Nilan Miranda, the Director-General of the National Transport Commission (NTC) told News 1st. According to Commander Nilan Miranda, by using the 'electronic card' commuters could make payments for SLTB and private buses, by crediting money to the card through reloads. "Measures were taken to introduce e-cards, taking into account the numerous complaints lodged by commuters with regard to the difficulty in obtaining tickets and change," he noted. Commander Miranda said, "This e-card, which can be reloaded will be introduced connected to state banks and private banks, as per the policies of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka." The e-card could be used for inter-provincial buses, provincial buses, SLTB buses and private buses. NTC Director-General Commander Nilan Miranda was hopeful the e-card could be introduced for railway services as well in the future.