The collaboration will provide an integrated ticketing management system and cashless ticketing solutions for more than 3,100 state buses

 New Delhi/Shimla/Hyderabad/Mumbai, 18 Sept 2024: In a significant move to enhance public transportation services, Hitachi Payment Services, an end-to-end payments and commerce solutions provider, teamed up with AbhiBus, one of India’s leading bus booking platforms to implement an Integrated Ticketing Management System (IMTS) and provide cashless ticketing solutions for state run buses in Himachal Pradesh. This collaboration marks the first such initiative in the state, aimed at enhancing the passenger experience and promoting cashless travel amongst the 1.5 crore+ passengers that use the state transport services each month.

The new digital transit solution will enable passengers to access real-time seat availability, make advance bookings, book tickets online via HRTC mobile app or website, get tickets in real time at HRTC bus counters and make payments enroute, via state-of-the-art GPRS enabled Electronic Bus Ticketing Machine (EBTM). Passengers can also choose their preferred digital payment mode from a range of options, including debit/credit card, UPI, QR code, prepaid wallet, and NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) card. Passengers in the free or concessional category can present their smart card pass to the conductor to issue the appropriate travel tickets via EBTM. The EBTM records both the full fare and the concession fare while ensuring a seamless and efficient ticketing service. Additionally, passengers can conveniently check the current timetable for every bus departing from a specific bus stop to any desired location.

Anuj Khosla, CEO – Digital Business, Hitachi Payment Services, said, “We are happy to be awarded the prestigious HRTC project. At Hitachi Payment Services, we have been pioneering advanced transit solutions that drive greater convenience for passengers and at the same time improve efficiency for transport operators. Our collaboration with AbhiBus for the Integrated Ticketing Management System will create a new ticketing experience for state public transport users in Himachal. Through our innovative offerings, we continue to transform the transit sector and empower citizens with secure and convenient digital payments.”

Rohit Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, AbhiBus, stated, “We are delighted to partner with HRTC and Hitachi Payment Services for this prestigious project. This partnership enhances travel with instant ticketing, digital ease, and a superior booking experience for over 3,100+ buses. Himachal Pradesh is now at the forefront of digital bus travel.”

Shri. Rohan Chand Thakur, IAS, Managing Director, Himachal Road Transport Corporation, also expressed, “The implementation of an Integrated Ticketing Management System is a significant milestone for us. It allows us to access real- time bus schedules, not only alleviating traffic congestion but also enhancing safety measures. Furthermore, the introduction of digital payments holds great importance, not just for passengers, but also for the hardworking conductors who meticulously account for every penny at the end of each trip, ultimately saving valuable time.”

Himachal has always been an early adopter of technology and now stands tall among a select group of states with the digitalisation of ticketing services for HRTC. For HRTC, it marks a significant step towards digitalization and integration of its ticketing systems, revolutionizing the overall travel experience for passengers.

About Hitachi Payment Services Pvt. Ltd.

Hitachi Payment Services is an end-to-end payments and commerce solutions provider empowering financial institutions, payment aggregators and fintechs with a comprehensive array of solutions focused on security, reliability and innovation. A pioneer in the Indian payments space, it has over 72,000 ATMs (including 27,500 Cash Recycling Machines and 10,200 White Label ATMs) under management. In addition, it caters to over 3 Mn merchant touch points and processes over 10 Mn transactions daily. 

For more information on Hitachi Payment Services, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi-payments.com 

About AbhiBus

AbhiBus is a leading online bus-ticketing platform that aggregates over 3,500+ private bus operators and 25 leading State RTCs, covering more than 100,000+ routes across the country. The AbhiBus website and apps allow users to check amenities provided by bus operators, compare booking fares, check bus timings in the searched route, live tracking of the bus before arrival, cancellation protection options and other facilities. It is the official ticketing partner for several state road transport corporation bus tickets and IRCTC tickets. Apart from an e-ticketing platform, AbhiBus also provides an end-to-end technology solution to private and government bus operators. It provides a state of the art online passenger reservation system to more than 350 private bus operators and 5 State Road Transport Corporations, including APSRTC, TSRTC, KSRTC, HRTC (Himachal) and Kerala RTC across India. Its software solutions include fleet management solutions, vehicle tracking systems, passenger information systems, and logistics, providing a robust and customizable software solution to small and big size bus operators. The business of AbhiBus was acquired by ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Limited) in August 2021.