Over 5k smart cards issued in 1st 2 days

HYDERABAD: More than 5,000 Smart Cards were issued in the first two days after the launch of the Hyderabad Metro Rail was open to public on November 28.  The cards which are being sold at `200 each, with an initial security deposit of `100 can be recharged upto `3,000. While there appears a high demand for these cards, there are some glitches that those purchasing the cards are facing. One of the commuters who purchased a card on the first day shared that she had to pay a penalty of `50 for a mistake made by one of the station assistants. 

“I purchased the card at the Begumpet station but I was also issued a token. I used the token at Begumpet and then when I had to drop it off at Uppal station, it showed an error. At that time, I was issued another token,” recalled M Shruthi, who works for a start up. For that particular day, the problem was resolved. The next day, she was advised to use the card but there was an error. 

“This was at the Uppal station and it was showing that there was already an entry. Though I explained to them that I had just entered the station they didn’t let me in. When they tested it, it showed that my journey on the previous day from Begumpet to Uppal was marked in my card and the token was given to me by mistake,” added Shruthi. Since there was no exit recorded, she had to pay a penalty of `50 and also had to spend an additional 20 minutes at each stations, she rued. On the other hand, station assistants shared that since operations have just begun, it is slightly tedious for them to manage the over flowing crowds. 

“At no point in the day are any of the ticket counters or the ticket vending machines free,” said one of the station assistants. Manohar J, a resident of Ameerpet who also will start to use the Metro frequently was purchasing a smart card. “It is a better choice because we don’t have to stand in long queues. What other services are available on this, we have to wait and watch,” said Manohar. 

What you need to know about the Smart Card 
One needs to download the TSavaari App to easily access the Smart Card
Once the app is downloaded, you can also purchase the card online and will be delivered to your doorstep at an additional cost of `25 
The recharge amount on the card is valid for one year, while the card itself is valid for 10 years 
One  can make use of various other transport services -- autos, buses, MMTS, smart bikes and Ola Cabs through the app in the future.
In case you wish to return the app, you will get back `80, while `20 will be deducted as service charge. 
Card users can avail a discount of five percent on every ride.