The Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has reportedly launched its smart transit card on Wednesday, offering commuters a 10% discount on bus fares across Goa. However there could be some teething problems with the introduction of the smart card. The travelling public, especially senior citizens, may find it difficult to adjust to the smart transit card. Hence the sale of tickets at the bus stands needs to be continued for some time. The KTC smart card provides students and senior citizens a 50% discount on bus fares. It is pertinent to note that 50% bus concession for students in Goa was introduced in 1978–79 as part of a student movement. With the introduction of smart transit cards and an additional 50% discount, will students now be able to travel free of cost? On launching the KTC smart transit card no concession is announced for travelling women. When we talk of women empowerment it would be in the fitness of things to make travel for working women in the state free of cost. With complaints of exorbitant fees being charged for pay parking, smart cards could be introduced for pay parking of private vehicles as well.
