BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): During a lockdown, the Bengaluru Metro is one step ahead towards getting the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) that would enable holders to use Namma Metro & buses and pay for parking or toll and buying in retail stores.
Bangalore Metro Rail Co has floated a tender to choose a financial institution to begin the open-loop mobility card. MD of BMRCL Ajay Seth said that by the end of this year the demanded infrastructure would be in place to introduce the tools.
BMRCL had commenced a trial test through installing automatic fare collection (AFC) system at Baiyappanahalli, Mysuru Road and Majestic stations but had to defer it because of the lockdown. Since 2011, the BMRCL has been issuing closed-loop smart cards for commuters to travel in Namma Metro trains.
The BMRCL has covered Phase-II routes for the common mobility card that include an extension of metro line on Kanakapura Road from Yelachenahalli-Anjanapura township and on Mysuru Road from Kengeri terminal. These 2 lines are required to open for commercial services this yr.
Financial Institution shall strive for migration of current cardholders to NCMC cards through offering value-added services & loyalty programmes.
However, to ensure customer service BMRCL would remain to issue and accept closed-loop cards for transit ticketing declares the tender document. The tender document also declares that the instant issuance fee of NCMC card at metro stations shall not be more than Rs 100. There would not be a minimum balance limit or related costs on the NCMC issued from Bengaluru Metro premises.
The selected financial institution would declare the card with the permission of BMRCL on design & other features. The tender reports show that Bengaluru Metro passengers shall be able to check the balance by SMS, web-based channels, or mobile apps.
The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Co (BMTC) also is in the method of floating a tender for declaring the common mobility card. Several years ago, BMTC had used measures to introduce the facility but was not able to scale it up.
