BENGALURU: It’s been nearly a month since the city traffic police launched Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) devices that allow motorists to pay fines for violation of traffic rules by swiping their credit or debit cards on the spot.
The cashless facility, however, remains on paper due to technical issues with the State Bank of India. The traffic police have procured nearly 650 PDA devices equipped with an in-built printer, camera and an enforcement application to book cases. “We are in touch with SBI to sort out the issues. Motorists may have to wait a few more days to use the cashless facility,” a traffic police official said.
At present, point-of-sale machines are only available at traffic police stations. The new devices are expected to come as a relief for those who may not be carrying cash. Arguments between traffic policemen and erring motorists over fine payment had increased due to cash crunch after demonetisation.
Officials say the BlackBerry devices used by traffic policemen to check pending violations and to levy fines are being replaced with these new devices.
BMTC smart card nowhere in sight
BMTC’s ambitious cashless travel plan is also yet to take off. The smart card facility in AC Volvo buses on 335-E route (Kempegowda bus station to Kadugodi) for 100 commuters on a pilot basis is yet to take off. A senior BMTC official said they will roll out the cashless facility in a few weeks. “It is almost ready and a trial is on to rectify technical issues. We will soon set up a counter at Kempegowda bus station for selling smart cards.” ‘BMTC Smart Card’ was unveiled in June last year itself.