THIRUVANTHAPURAM: KSRTC is in a fix over the battery-draining electronic ticketing machines (ETMs), which are crucial for cashless payment and live tracking of buses. The conductors are hesitant to use the machines as the new machines drain their battery quickly, defeating the purpose. With over 22 lakh passengers relying on KSRTC services daily, the corporation has been forced to incur additional expenses to keep the ETMs running. Frequent recharging has become necessary, adding to operational strain.

ETMs have long posed issues for KSRTC, but conductors earlier managed with traditional ticket racks when machines failed. However, this backup is no longer viable as the corporation has grown increasingly dependent on ETMs following its digitisation efforts. KSRTC recently introduced travel cards, UPI payment options, and live bus tracking on select routes, further embedding ETMs into daily operations.

A KSRTC official acknowledged the difficulties but stated that a workaround has been devised. “We cannot revert to the old system of issuing tickets. To ensure the ETMs remain operational, we’ve decided to install 24-volt charging points in 5,048 buses,” the official said.