bus passes

Transport Corporation

selfie

smart card

By Gururaj B RThe issuance ofthrough smart cards by the Bangalore Metropolitan(BMTC) has run into problems with students uploading theirpictures (with actors, friends and celebrities) instead of their solo photographs.The transport body has decided to replace the age-old paper passes with smart cards for students from this year. Subsequently, the BMTC has directed schools and students to submit their applications online, besides uploading photographs.Instead of posting their own photographs, students started upload ing photographs they took along with actors, actresses, family and friends, leaving BMTC authorities in a fix. However, authorities say they have faced no issues — either with data or photographs — when information was directly obtained from schools. It’s learnt that the number of ‘selfie photographs’ has crossed 30,000 and the software does not accept such pictures. A senior BMTC official said, “After introducing thesystem, long queues of students in front of BMTCs counters have disappeared. About 1 lakh passes have already been issued to students so far through post. Another 1 lakh passes will be issued soon. The selfie photographs have clearly delayed the process.”V Ponnuraj, MD, BMTC: “There are no issues with photographs and applications uploaded by schools. The software is not accepting photographs clicked with family members or even celebrities. The resolution of some photos too is high. Hence, the whole process is getting delayed.”BMTC authorities said that those who uploaded unclear photographs will be directed to submit separate ones to the corporation. A counter for the same will be opened at Kempegowda bus-station.