Kochi Metro Rail Ltd launches cheaper passes

KOCHI: The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) on Thursday launched passes for regular passengers at discounted rates. Initially, the passes will be issued only from three stations - Aluva, Edappally and Maharaja's. There will be two types of passes - one  for 30 trips, which is valid for 30 days, and the second one for 60 trips having a 60-day validity.

KMRL MD Mohammed Hanish launched the daily pass at the Metro's Edappally station at 11.30 am by handing over a 60 trip pass to Nubaj C R,  a rider who is one of those having logged maximum trips on the Metro last year.

“This new offer will enable Kochiites to avail greatly discounted tickets and amazing deals, making it a great value proposition for them," said Sanjeev Moghe, Executive VP, Cards and Merchant Acquiring Business, Axis Bank, which is partnering KMRL in Kochi-1 card. While the pass for 30 trips will be given at a 25 per cent discount, the pass for 60 trips will have a 33 per cent discount. The pass can be issued only in a valid Kochi-1 card with sufficient store value.

In case if there is no sufficient balance in Kochi-1 Card for pass purchase, top up needs to be done. The validity of the pass shall start from the day  it is issued.

KMRL authorities said only one pass can be added on one Kochi1 Card at a time. The Pass can be issued between any two stations chosen by passengers (say Station A and B) at the time of issue and the trip  will be deducted when the passenger travels between the two stations.

Entry and  Exit from the same station will also deduct one trip. If the entry is made from either station A or B and exit is made beyond the other station then the stored value amount will be used. Similarly, if the entry is made at any station other than the Station A and B then the stored value will be used.
The penalties and other surcharge amounts shall be deducted as per the rules applicable for Kochi1 card.