Although Jammu and Kashmir has made many strides to emulate services and facilities provided in the modern cities across the world but till date nothing has come to fore as far as offering cashless travel facility in the public transport of the Union Territory. This could potentially be a revolutionary step in providing convenience to the public and effectively eradicating corruption, which conventionally was the main reason for the failure of government transport services in the past. It is pertinent to mention that the cashless travel on public transport systems has not gained momentum in the cities across India although many rail-based systems like metro trains have laid milestones in achieving cashless travel. Delhi metro already has smart cards and RFID coins, whereas other projects planned and under implementation in metropolitan cities are likely to have paperless travel in the near future. Despite the fact that the bus-based public transport systems which carry more passengers than rail-based systems, till date have not achieved implementation of cashless travel making it imperative for the governments especially in the cities which are fast transforming into Smart ones to go for this technology to augment the public transport with such needful facility. As the paper ticket-based conventional system still prevails in many cities including the ones in J&K, and is used extensively, it is high time that cities should modernize their bus fleets and fare collection mechanism to accommodate cashless travel.
The implementation of a cashless travel system in the public transportation system of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) shall emerge as a visionary initiative, poised to redefine the dynamics of public mobility and governance. This transformative approach will not only align with global trends in technological advancements but would also carry the potential to ensure unparalleled public convenience while concurrently mitigating corruption within the transportation sector. The shift towards a cashless travel system embodies a commitment to efficiency, transparency, and convenience. By embracing digital payment methods, commuters in J&K can experience a seamless and hassle-free travel experience. Furthermore, the adoption of cashless transactions in public transportation is a resolute step towards eradicating corruption. Traditional cash-based systems are susceptible to malpractices, with possibilities of fare evasion, revenue leakages, and fraudulent activities. Introducing a cashless travel system ensures that every transaction is recorded, traceable, and accountable. This transparency acts as a deterrent against corruption, creating a system where financial discrepancies are minimized, and accountability is heightened. The advantages of a cashless travel system extend beyond the immediate conveniences for passengers and the reduction of corruption. The digitization of payment processes allows for data-driven insights and analytics. Transportation authorities can leverage this data to optimize routes, schedules, and resource allocation, leading to a more efficient and responsive public transport system. Moreover, the accumulated data can serve as a valuable tool for future urban planning and infrastructure development. If the Union Territory will opt for such a change, the same will pave the way for a future where the journey is not only seamless for passengers but also marks a significant stride towards a corruption-free and technologically advanced public transport ecosystem in J&K.
