PRTC (PEPSU)
Timetable & Online Booking Guide
Your complete guide to PRTC (PEPSU Road Transport Corporation). Get updated bus timetables, depot helpline numbers, bus pass parameters, and online ticket booking rules.
About PRTC
PEPSU Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) is a government-owned bus service in Punjab, India. It was established on 16 October 1956 under the Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950. Headquartered in Patiala, PRTC started with just 60 buses and 15 routes. Those early buses covered 11,107 kilometres every single day. The corporation was built to give Punjab’s commuters safe, reliable, and affordable public transport.
Today, PRTC runs over 1,200 buses across 577 routes throughout North India. Its network stretches into Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir. Every day, these buses cover more than 355,827 kilometres in total. With 9 depots and over 4,500 employees, PRTC is a massive public operation. Passengers can choose from ordinary buses, HVAC coaches, and premium Volvo services. It remains Punjab’s most trusted government transport authority to this day.
Operational Evolution
Types of Buses in Service
- Volvo / Scania: Super luxury climate-controlled AC buses serving high-demand routes like Delhi Airport and Chandigarh.
- HVAC Buses: Comfortable air-conditioned seating buses deployed for medium to long distance intercity routes.
- Ordinary Buses: The extensive standard non-AC fleet providing critical, affordable connectivity to villages and districts.
- Mini Buses: Small specialized buses designed to navigate narrow or restricted rural village roads.
- Kilometer Scheme: Private partner buses hired to run under official government schedules to maximize network capacity.
Major Service Areas
- Patiala Hub: The central administrative and operational heart connecting the southern Malwa region to outer networks.
- Delhi (ISBT & IGI Airport): Dedicated premium Volvo operations matching up with international flight schedules.
- Chandigarh Terminal: High-frequency daily connections linking almost every major Punjab town to the capital city.
- Intercity Corridors: Comprehensive internal mapping integrating major corridors like Ludhiana, Bathinda, Amritsar, and Jalandhar.
- Interstate Matrix: Regular commercial routes running into Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.
How to Book Tickets Online
- Access Platform: Open the official web booking portal at pepsuonline.com or download the PEPSU Online mobile application.
- Input Parameters: Enter your origin town, target destination, and your exact planned date of travel.
- Select Route: Browse the generated list of available HVAC or luxury Volvo buses based on departure times.
- Seat Allocation: View the digital seating blueprint to select and secure your preferred vacant seat numbers.
- Passenger Details: Fill in the legal full name, age, gender, and contact mobile number for every traveler.
- Secure Payment: Complete your fare transaction securely using digital UPI, debit/credit cards, or net banking.
- Ticket Confirmation: The server immediately sends an SMS PNR voucher along with a downloadable PDF e-ticket document.
Counter Booking Steps
- Visit Terminal: Go directly to the physical reservation counter windows at any local PRTC bus stand.
- Specify Route: State your destination town, required departure time, and chosen coach class to the ticketing clerk.
- Payment Gateway: Finalize your transit fare using physical cash notes or via state-enabled dynamic UPI QR codes.
- Collect Token: Secure your printed physical ticket slip containing your verified platform boarding number.
Bus Pass & Concession Cards
- Student Concessional Pass: Heavily subsidized quarterly travel passes for students attending government-recognized schools and colleges.
- Monthly Traveler Pass: Route-specific flat-rate packages helping daily commuters save on fixed occupational routes.
- Senior Citizen Scheme: 50% fare concessions for elderly residents on ordinary routes upon verifying valid age proof.
Digital Ecosystem Parameters
- Central Web Server: Manages real-time automated seat inventories for all online corporate routes.
- Handheld ETMs: On-board conductors use electronic machines for paperless verification of online tickets.
- GPS Tracking System: Streams live vehicle positions to help passengers monitor schedules via the official app.
Special Free Categories
- Visually Impaired: Complete zero-fare travel extended to blind individuals along with one attendant.
- Freedom Fighters & Media: Zero-fare travel privileges for verified freedom fighters and accredited journalists.
New Patiala Bus Stand Counter: 0175-2311718
Public Grievance Support Helpline: 95921-95923





