BusPlus-like system to be implemented in Kragujevac – eKG system, time-limited fares and new prices from May 1

The eKG system of electronic public transport fare collection, modeled after Belgrade’s BusPlus, has arrived to Kragujevac. The implementation of the new system and new prices starts on May 1. eKG cards will be offered, whereas those who choose to buy tickets directly from drivers will need to pay much higher prices.

The company Apex Solutions Technology has won at the tendering procedure opened by Kragujevac’s public transport agency GAS, which will be leasing the system from Apex over the next two years.

The presentation of the electronic system for public transport ticketing and monitoring was attended by Turkish Ambassador Tanju Bilgic, one of the owners of Apex, Mazhar Basmaci, and the director of GAS, Dusan Obradovic.

– Old documents will be replaced by the end of April. Citizens will obtain eKG cards, which will make for safer rides, as drivers will not be distracted by having to sell tickets – Obradovic says.

One ride costs RSD 70, and time-limited fares are a new feature. The limit is 120 minutes, but the way the prices are calculated is interesting. The eKG card is charged for RSD 70 on the first ride, but if the passenger switches rides within two hours and revalidates the card, the charge is RSD 20, whereas each next validation within the 120-minute timeframe is free, although the card needs to be validated on each ride. The time-limited fare does not expire even if the card is validated only a minute before the limit expires, so passengers don’t have to worry about the fare expiring mid-ride.

Tickets bought from drivers will cost RSD 150, and the goal is for citizens to adopt the electronic payment system and not bother drivers.

The idea is for the eKG card to lead to the implementation of a smart city card, which will be used to pay for entrance into museums, pool complexes and similar facilities, while offering certain discounts.

As Obradovic says, that card would cover all the municipalities of the Kragujevac District.

Gradska agencija za saobraćaj d.o.o. Kragujevac

Kentkart SE doo Beograd

GAS Kragujevac

eKG fare collection system

BusPlus

Mazhar Basmaci

Dušan Obradović

public transport in Kragujevac