To provide further clarification on the new city bus services, we have compiled and answered some of your queries. We hope these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the new Smart Card System and the new mobile app Gakyid Ride: City Bus Service help you find the answer to your question.
Smart Card System:
1. What documents do I need to sign up for a card?
- To register for a card, you will need to visit the City Bus Office, located in the TTI Campus near Lungtenzampa Bridge.
- For a regular card: you need to fill in the form and attach a copy of your CID.
- For a concession card: you need to fill in the form and attach a copy of your student ID or concern letter from the school.
- For a disability card: you need to fill in the form and should also have a letter from the office of the Disabled People’s Organization of Bhutan.
- For senior citizens: you need to fill in the form and attach a copy of your CID. You should also be 65 years old or above to obtain this card.
2. Where are the smart cards sold?
The smart cards can only be availed from the City Bus Office as of now. However, plans are underway to appoint sales agents in respective zones.
3. Where can I top up the cards?
The smart cards can be topped up at the City Bus Office. In the future, you will be able to top-up the cards from a designated City Bus Service agent.
4. Where can I check the balance of the cards?
The card balance will be shown as you tap your card while boarding and deboarding. You can also check the balance at the card validator at the City Bus Office.
5. How many buses have the smart card system?
As of now, the 27 new buses have the smart card system. It will soon be installed on 18 other buses.
6. When will the buses stop accepting cash payments?
The buses will accept cash payment until our commuters are comfortable with the smart card system.
You can find the new routes here: http://thimphucity.bt/counter/direct_download/1675
Gakyid Ride: City Bus Service
Gakyid Ride is a cross-platform mobile app that provides information on city bus service including route, schedule, fare and live location of the busses. The app was developed to make information on city bus service conveniently available to promote the use of public transportation as a desired alternative for commute. In addition to the above, the app also has provision for the public to provide feedback.
1. What can I do after registering on the app?
Users can register on the app with their mobile number to use a feature called broadcast location through which they can share the live location of the bus they are traveling on to friends and commuters waiting for the bus. When a user uses this feature, their identity will be hidden. Registration is required to prevent unauthorized use of this feature which could create unnecessary confusion for commuters.
2. Can I track the buses right now?
This feature is in the final phase of completion and shall be available in the next few weeks.
3. Can I check the schedule of the buses?
This feature is in the final phase of completion and shall be available this week.
4. Can I use the app to check the balance of the card?
No, you can’t check the balance of the card through the app. Balance of the card will be shown upon tapping the card on the card validators in the bus.
5. Can I use the app to top up the card?
No, the smart cards can only be topped up at the City Bus Office as of now. In the future, you will be able to top-up the cards from a designated City Bus Service agent.