Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has taken note of passenger complaints and the inconvenience faced by conductors due to a lack of small change. In response, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has urged passengers to use UPI payments for purchasing tickets to avoid disputes over loose change. This initiative has received an overwhelming response from commuters, leading to a significant rise in revenue generated through UPI payments in recent days.
Additionally, the MSRTC has issued a circular instructing local administrations to provide conductors with up to ₹100 in small denominations before they begin duty. This measure aims to reduce conflicts between passengers and conductors over change issues.
“Each conductor has been equipped with an Android Electronic Ticket Issuing Machine (ETIM), which facilitates ticket purchases via UPI payments” said an official adding that transport minister Sarnaik has advised passengers to use this digital payment option to eliminate disputes related to change.
Following the minister’s directive, the MSRTC has actively promoted UPI payments, resulting in a significant surge in transactions through this mode. Compared to previous days, revenue from UPI payments has nearly doubled.
The corporation has also issued a directive to ensure that conductors receive sufficient small change before duty. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has emphasized that the MSRTC must take steps to prevent future disputes between passengers and conductors over loose change.
UPI Payment Revenue Before Fare Increase:
January 21: ₹87.58 lakh
January 22: ₹86.50 lakh
January 23: ₹84.23 lakh
January 24: ₹67.36 lakh
UPI Payment Revenue After Fare Increase:
January 26: ₹1.53 crore
January 27: ₹1.46 crore
January 28: ₹1.25 crore
January 29: ₹1.19 crore
January 30: ₹1.25 crore
