Over half of Metro commuters use smartcards

BENGALURU: Namma Metro commuters are going sensible. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) statistics display aroun

Times View

That more Metro customers are hopping onto the smartcard bandwagon is indicative of Bengalureans’ willingness to embody generation. Not solely does it facilitate swift go back and forth but additionally eliminates the desire for tokens, which can be more at risk of pilferage — BMRCL has incurred massive losses over the years due to token robbery. Though the company’s means of providing reductions to card customers seems to have worked, it could have a look at emulating the Delhi Metro model of devoted go out gates to minimise delays. The proposal on introducing a not unusual mobility card also needs to be fast-tracked to verify ease of go back and forth.

d 60% of those travelling on Purple Line (Byappanahalli-Mysuru Road) and 51% on Green Line (Nagasandra-Yelachenahalli) are using smartcards.
With BMRCL providing patrons a 15% bargain on fares, more passengers now prefer playing cards over tokens. While the number of travellers using smartcards on Purple Line has larger from 15% in 2012 to 59% at present, it has surged from 23% in 2015 to 51% for Green Line. Namma Metro sees a day-to-day ridership of three.55 lakh passengers — 1.90 lakh on Purple Line and 1.65 lakh on Green Line.

BMRCL managing director Mahendra Jain mentioned the number of takers is expected to move up additional, in particular after the growth of the Metro network. “Compared to other cities, Bengaluru has more Metro passengers who use smartcards,” he mentioned, including: “The facility entitles customers to a bargain and reduces paper work for our workforce. It is faster, clear, more environment friendly and no more prone to pilferage.”

Commuters say Metro playing cards facilitate a hassle-free ride. “It spares us the trouble of standing in long queues for tokens. It will likely be more beneficial if the same card can be utilized on Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses as neatly. The authorities should permit us to use smartcards in feeder buses no less than,” mentioned Anil Kumar, a typical Metro consumer.

BMTC officials mentioned they're open to integration, only if BMRCL is keen to come on board. “We are ready to simply accept Metro playing cards in our buses. We have communicated the same to BMTC however are pay attention from them,” mentioned a senior BMTC authentic.

In the country’s capital, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has recently transformed round 50% of the present Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) go out gates to ‘card-only’ go out gates to profit smartcard customers.

BMRCL workforce mentioned even though maximum regular travellers use smartcards, moderately new passengers purchases tokens. They also admitted to several instances of teenage mistakes and delays in go out, which lead to congestion. However, BMRCL officials mentioned they don’t have plans of introducing separate go out gates for smartcard customers however will consider the speculation after growth of Phase 2.

Times View

That more Metro customers are hopping onto the smartcard bandwagon is indicative of Bengalureans’ willingness to embody generation. Not solely does it facilitate swift go back and forth but additionally eliminates the desire for tokens, which can be more at risk of pilferage — BMRCL has incurred massive losses over the years due to token robbery. Though the company’s means of providing reductions to card customers seems to have worked, it could have a look at emulating the Delhi Metro model of devoted go out gates to minimise delays. The proposal on introducing a not unusual mobility card also needs to be fast-tracked to verify ease of go back and forth.