KOLKATA, 8 AUG: The state transport department will introduce smart cards for travelling in government-run buses and trams, state transport minister Madan Mitra, said today at Writers’ Buildings. He said introduction of smart cards would reduce the losses of all the transport corporations as printing costs of tickets would come down. The new system will also prevent corruption. He, however, said the state transport department is yet to decide where it will install swipe machines for daily commuters. “The proposal was given by the transport corporations and it has been placed before the group of ministers’ (GOM) meeting. It will finally be sent to chief minister Mamata Banerjee for final nod,” said Mr Mitra. The state transport department has five transport corporations: South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC), Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC), North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC), West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) and Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) which incurred losses. Mr Mitra said that all transport corporations are trying to be profitable by augmenting revenue and the smart card project will help them earn more. Mr Mitra said the transport department has asked police to seize overloaded lorries and take action against owners of lorries and drivers. He said several overloaded lorries from Bethuadahari, Jalpaiguri, Murshidabad and Cooch Behar were seized recently. Mr Mitra said the government will not tolerate any trade unionism in transport offices during office hours and all flags of the unions, banners and posters will be removed from the offices. “Employees have to maintain discipline at office during office hours,” he said.