Gujarat: GSRTC records 1.03 crore QR ticket payments, expands online booking
Gandhinagar, June 22
More than 1.03 crore QR code-based ticket transactions were recorded on Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation buses between April 2025 and May 2026, generating revenue of over Rs 112.45 crore and reflecting the growing adoption of cashless travel across the state's public transport network.
The figures were released as GSRTC outlined a series of digital initiatives aimed at improving passenger convenience, transparency and operational efficiency.
The corporation has introduced QR code-enabled Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) across its services, allowing passengers to pay fares digitally while reducing dependence on cash transactions.
According to GSRTC, QR code payments have increased significantly over the past year. Monthly transactions rose from 4.6 lakh in April 2025 to more than 17.34 lakh in May 2026.
The corporation said the system is currently generating an average monthly revenue of Rs 19.37 crore.
GSRTC Public Relations Officer (PRO) Shraddha Bhatt said 10,500 new e-BTM machines had been allocated across 125 depots operating under the corporation's 16 divisions.
"The QR code payment facility, which was initially introduced in premium bus services, has now been extended to all GSRTC services and depots following a favourable response from passengers," she said.
Bhatt emphasised that the digital payment system would help eliminate difficulties faced by passengers in obtaining change during journeys while also strengthening passenger-oriented services.
"Reduced cash handling has improved transparency in operations and saved time and effort for conductors," she added.
The corporation has also expanded its online reservation network to include around 2,500 local bus trips covering distances of more than 100 kilometres.
Previously, online booking facilities were largely available for premium and selected long-distance services.
The move is expected to benefit passengers in rural and remote areas, enabling them to reserve tickets in advance without visiting bus stations.
GSRTC said the online booking facility had received a positive response as it reduced the need for passengers to stand in long queues.
During the first six months of 2026, the corporation operated 39,372 premium and non-premium trips.
Booking levels remained strong during the summer travel season, with premium air-conditioned services recording an occupancy rate of 78.85 per cent in May 2026.
Volvo services registered booking rates of 50 per cent in April and 57.81 per cent in May, while non-premium sleeper buses recorded an average booking rate of 77.53 per cent during the six months, according to the corporation.
GSRTC said the expansion of digital payment and reservation facilities forms part of its wider efforts to modernise public transport services and improve accessibility for passengers across Gujarat.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, no more hunting for exact change at the ticket counter! 😅 Though I'm curious about how they'll handle connectivity issues in remote areas. My village still has patchy network. Hope they keep cash as an option for those without smartphones or net access.
Impressive numbers! 1.03 crore QR transactions is no joke, shows people are embracing digital payments beyond just UPI apps. But GSRTC must ensure these e-BTM machines work reliably. Last month in Surat, I saw two machines not working on a single bus - that defeats the purpose.
The online booking for local buses covering 100+ km is a game-changer for rural Gujarat. My parents in Navsari used to waste half a day just to get tickets. Now I can book for them from Pune. Thank you, GSRTC! 👏👏
Great to see Gujarat's public transport modernising. I'm from the US but visited Gujarat last year - the buses were clean but ticketing was chaotic. This digital shift will make travel much smoother for everyone. Hopefully other states follow this model soon.
One criticism: why only buses >100 km for online booking? What about shorter inter-city routes? Many of us commute daily between small towns in Saurashtra. Also, the Volvo occupancy at 50-57% seems low - maybe they should reduce fares slightly during off-peak to fill those seats instead of running half-empty luxury buses.
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