The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has entered into an agreement with the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide FASTags in all its buses. This move aims to provide a safer and more efficient way of paying tolls for passengers. Previously, SBI was only authorized to install FASTags in buses operating in 11 of the 20 regions of the corporation, while the rest of the buses had FASTags linked to a private bank.
However, this system had faced issues in the past. In September last year, 19 buses reported trouble while paying toll through FASTag due to insufficient balance in their FASTag wallets. As a result, passengers faced difficulties as the buses were not allowed to cross the tolls. An investigation revealed that the FASTags were hacked, and an FIR was lodged. It was found that the hacked FASTags were linked to a private bank.
The FASTags were introduced in UPSRTC buses as early as 2017. However, this incident marked the first time that the FASTags were hacked. The incident highlights the need for a more secure system to ensure smooth and hassle-free transactions for passengers.
The agreement between UPSRTC and SBI is expected to bring a positive change in this regard. With SBI’s expertise in banking and technology, it is hoped that the FASTags will be more secure and efficient. The fast pace of technology today can sometimes outsmart the simplest of safety measures, but steps such as these agreements with banks to provide a secure system will ensure a smoother and secure travel experience for passengers.