Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) smart cards have quickly become a hit among travellers. Introduced to simplify ticketing and promote digital payments, 1.55 lakh cards have been sold within just three months of the scheme’s launch.

The card works on all types of KSRTC buses and is available from conductors, authorised agents, and KSRTC depots. It costs ₹100, and users can recharge it with a minimum of ₹50 and a maximum of ₹3,000. Families and friends can also use the card, though the owner remains responsible for it.

Lost card? Here’s what to do

Authorities say: If the card is lost, it can be deactivated to prevent misuse. Applications to deactivate the card must include the card number. Without it, the card cannot be blocked. Users should keep the card number safe.

If your card stops working, a new one can be issued within five days. You need to submit an application at the nearest depot with your name, address, and phone number. The balance from the old card will be transferred to the new one. Lost card details should be emailed to ksrtccard@gmail.com.

Extra perks for recharging

KSRTC also offers bonus amounts on recharges. A ₹1,000 recharge earns an extra ₹40, while ₹2,000 gets an extra ₹100. When boarding, simply swipe the card on the conductor’s ticket machine to deduct the fare automatically. The remaining balance can also be checked on the machine.