The News Minute | September 11, 2014 | 07:15 pm IST

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) would introduce pre-paid cards for journeys in buses from the New Year, Transport Minister G.S. Bali said here Thursday.

The HRTC would launch the facility for passengers travelling within and outside the state in January, he told reporters.

Bali said the HRTC would have a tie-up with one or two nationalized banks to launch the prepaid card.

He said the prepaid card users could swipe the card during the journey.

He said HRTC has launched a helpline 094180-00529 to redress the complaints of the passengers.

"The helpline would soon be functioning round-the-clock. Even complaints against the private tour operators could be launched."

To strengthen the HRTC, the minister said every year the roadways would add 300 new buses in its fleet from this year.

IANS