Bengaluru: Women commuters in the city are set to get a major convenience boost: A single smart mobility card that will work both on city buses and the Metro. The state govt is preparing to roll out Shakti Scheme ID smart cards that double up as travel credentials on BMTC buses and as National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) for seamless entry into Namma Metro.The proposed card will continue to guarantee free bus travel under the Shakti Scheme on BMTC buses, while also functioning as a stored-value card for Metro train rides wherein users will simply need to recharge the card to access Metro services.Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy said the cards will be issued free of cost to eligible beneficiaries. The scheme already enables free travel for women domiciled in the state across over 25,000 buses operated by four state-run transport corporations, with over 75 lakh women using the facility daily. In Bengaluru alone, around 22–24 lakh women rely on free bus travel every day.The new smart card is expected to replace the current practice of showing Aadhaar cards to conductors — a system that has led to misuse through fake or out-of-state credentials. By integrating the card with electronic ticketing machines, conductors will swipe the card to validate each trip, ensuring accurate passenger data and plugging revenue leakages.“The state cabinet cleared the project. Now modalities will be worked out on how to issue the card. Measures will be taken to issue the card in online and offline modes through citizen services facilitation centres in cities and rural areas. Cards will be issued free of cost,” the minister said.An official said, “While issuing the Shakti Scheme smart card, a database available with the state will be used to verify residential address and other details. Conductors will be able to issue the ticket only after swiping the card on the electronic ticketing machine. This will bring more accuracy in the number of people using the benefit, money spent, and others.”All four RTCs (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC) issued over 668 crore tickets for women passengers to travel in ordinary buses. From June 11, 2023 to Feb 12, 2026, corporations spent Rs 17,313 crore to provide free travel facilities. GFXShakti SchemeTickets issued under Shakti Scheme – Over 668 croreMoney spent by four RTOs – Rs 17,313 crore Corporation — No. women travelled (in cr) — Cost incurred (Rs in cr)KSRTC – 202 – 6,568 BMTC – 214 – 3,056 NWKRTC – 156 – 4,276 KKRTC – 94.99 – 3,409 *Figures from June 11, 2023 to Feb 12, 2026Box:KSRTC to offer free travel for PUC students during examsKarnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will provide free bus travel to PUC students during examination period from Feb 28 to March 17. They can avail free travel by producing their hall tickets. The facility will be available on ordinary and express services operated by KSRTC, enabling students to travel from their place of residence to their respective examination centres. Free travel facility has been provided based on the request of chairman of Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB).
