Tamil Nadu buses to go digital: Book tickets seamlessly via WhatsApp

Chennai: In a major step towards digital transformation in public transport, commuters across Tamil Nadu will soon be able to book tickets for state-run buses via WhatsApp, offering a faster, simpler, and completely cashless experience.

The Tamil Nadu Mobility and Logistics Corporation Limited (TNMLC), under the State Transport Department, has invited tenders to appoint multiple payment gateway service providers to integrate with the Online Ticket Reservation System (OTRS).

The initiative aims to unify the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations (TNSTCs), and the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) under a single digital ticketing platform accessible through WhatsApp.

At present, passengers can book government bus tickets via the official website, mobile app, e-Seva and franchisee centres, kiosks, and API-based portals. Once the WhatsApp system goes live, passengers will be able to book, pay for, and receive e-tickets directly on their phones.

The platform will support multiple payment options, including UPI, debit and credit cards, QR-based payments, and popular digital wallets such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and WhatsApp Pay.

Officials said the initiative will benefit thousands of passengers who rely on SETC and TNSTC buses for long-distance and inter-district travel. Together, these corporations operate more than 5,000 buses, including deluxe, sleeper, and air-conditioned services.

TNMLC, which manages the OTRS, currently handles an average of 17,976 seat bookings daily and nearly 5.87 lakh bookings per month. Around 85 per cent of these are made through online and mobile platforms, with the remainder handled by franchise counters.

Launched in 2011, the OTRS has evolved into a reliable digital system that allows passengers to reserve seats from anywhere in or outside Tamil Nadu. The addition of WhatsApp-based ticketing is expected to make the system even more accessible for commuters in rural and semi-urban areas, particularly those less comfortable with websites and mobile apps.

As part of the upgrade, TNMLC has also directed the establishment of a 24/7 helpdesk in Chennai, to be managed by the selected payment gateway partners. The helpdesk will offer round-the-clock assistance in Tamil and English, handling payment and booking-related queries to ensure smoother travel for passengers.

IANS