BMTC to appoint consultant for smart ticketing project

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The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has floated a tender to appoint a Project Monitoring Consultant (PMC) to independently oversee the implementation and operation of its ambitious Comprehensive Smart Ticketing Solution Project, which will involve the deployment of up to 15,000 smart electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) across its network over the next five years.

The Hindu had earlier reported on plans for fully integrated digital ticketing solution across BMTC bus network. The upgrade will replace existing fare collection methods with smart electronic ticketing machines (ETMs), aimed at improving efficiency and commuter convenience, according to BMTC officials.

BMTC officials said that the consultant will be tasked with monitoring the performance of the technology solution provider engaged for the project and ensuring compliance with contractual, technical, cybersecurity and operational requirements.

The corporation currently operates over 6,800 buses across Bengaluru and serves nearly 45 lakh passengers every day. As part of its modernisation drive, BMTC is replacing its existing ticketing infrastructure with Android-based, 4G and Wi-Fi-enabled smart ETMs integrated with a cloud-based Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS).

“The project is designed to provide commuters with multiple payment options, including cash, UPI, QR-code payments, National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), smart cards and digital passes. Given the scale and complexity of the project, an independent monitoring mechanism is required,” a BMTC official said.

Officials stated that approximately 11,000 smart ETMs will be deployed initially, with the total requirement expected to reach 15,000 devices over a five-year period. The technology solution provider has been engaged under a rental model for four years, extendable by one year.

BMTC officials said that the consultant would assess every stage of the project, including ETM deployment, software integration, testing, cybersecurity compliance, digital payment systems and service-level agreement (SLA) performance. The PMC will also monitor integration with BMTC’s existing Automatic Vehicle Location System (AVLS), Mobile One, Bengaluru One, Seva Sindhu and other digital platforms.