Chillar Payment Solutions Private Ltd has launched pre-paid smartcards, Chillar Cards, for private bus commuters in Kochi.
The company has launched the new cards in association with the Private Bus Operators Association (PBOA). In the first stage the card is valid across 40 buses, starting from Kakkanad, the IT head quarters of Kerala.
At a press conference here today, M B Sathyan, secretary, PBOA, said 450 buses in the city and suburbs will be added to the new payment system shortly. Chillar smart cards will also be introduced in other cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.
Kiran Bahsi, head, sales and marketing, Chillar, said the company had planned to launch the new product outside Kerala and spread to other areas soon.
The cards can be re-charged from Rs 20 up to Rs 1,000. It offers an unlimited validity period. Kiran said the cards can be re-charged from designated shops/agents, PBOA offices and through the web site, www.chillarcards.com.
The company has associated with Airtel for mobile re-charge facility. Sathyan said several problems while travelling in buses can be avoided through this service. He added the conductors will be trained to use the swiping machines. Chillar - PBOA stickers will be exhibited on all buses which offer the service. If a passenger loses the card, it can be blocked through and a new card will be issued to those customers.
