In a big step in city’ public transport system Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday launched a pilot Common Mobility Card which can be used to travel in both Delhi Metro and select Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses.
Under the pilot project, the cards will be valid in 200 DTC and 50 cluster buses. The card, which will function like a debit card, will be operational in all DTC and cluster buses from April 1. Launching the card, the Chief Minister said, “It is a big step in the transport sector that will facilitate the seamless travel of people in Delhi.”
Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot was also present for the launch of the pilot project. “After trial period, a new card would be designed which would have both DMRC and Delhi Government engraved on it,” said the Transport Minister.
Commuters can purchase and recharge these cards at all Metro stations, railway stations, airports, Inter-State Bus Terminals and DTC bus pass counters. “During the trial, by tapping the Metro card on an Electronic Ticketing Machine or ETM in a bus, a ticket would be generated, which will also show the balance in the passenger’s card,” Delhi Government release said.
Presently, ETMs are used by DTC conductors to issue print tickets to commuters. The money deducted from the card will go to Delhi Metro Rail Corp (DMRC), and later will be transferred to the Delhi Government.
It may be noted that Reserve Bank of India has given approval to DMRC in February, 2017 for operating its pre-paid instrument called PPI-MTS (Prepaid Instrument-Mass Transit System) for this purpose. DMRC smart card is the first to get authorisation under this category.
The minimum amount payable at the time of purchase of a new card is Rs 150, including refundable security of Rs 50. Subsequent recharge of the card can be done at Customer Care Centres of any metro station with a minimum value of Rs 200 and up to Rs 2,000. The electronic value in Smart Card shall not be refunded.