Initiatives began last year itself. Finally, smart cards for buses are being launched from February. The smart card service is being introduced in the buses of North Bengal State Transport Corporation. This project will be officially launched on February 26.
North Bengal State Transport Corporation's Managing Director Dipankar Piplai announced on Friday that this service is being launched first from Cooch Behar. There will be separate counters at bus stands for smart cards. After Cooch Behar, there are plans to launch this service from Siliguri.
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Recharge options and passenger benefits
According to transport corporation sources, passengers will have to buy this smart card, which looks like a debit card, for 80 rupees. After that, there will be facilities to recharge in four categories. With a recharge of 300 rupees, fares up to 330 rupees can be paid. That means an additional 30 rupees is being given. With a 600 rupee recharge, there is the facility to pay fares up to 690 rupees. With a 1,200 rupee recharge, fare facilities worth 1,440 rupees will be available. With a 2,400 rupee recharge, benefits worth 2,928 rupees will be available.
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According to an official of the organization, "As a result of this service, passengers will not have to buy tickets. At the same time, the troubles or problems that are ongoing regarding fares will now be resolved." North Bengal State Transport Corporation Chairman Parthapratim Roy said, "On the inauguration day of February 26, the first 15 people are being given this card. After that, passengers can collect cards, recharge them and board buses. There will be a separate counter at Cooch Behar Central Bus Terminus for this."
