Bengaluru: From today, you can purchase Metro tickets on WhatsApp, BMRCL's app

BENGALURU: Starting Tuesday, Namma Metro passengers can avoid the hassle of standing in front of ticket counters to purchase tokens. QR-code tickets can be purchased through Namma Metro app and WhatsApp.
The Namma Metro app will be available on Android phones. BMRCL on Monday claimed it is the first Metro in the global transit space to introduce an end-to-end ticketing system on WhatsApp. "All you need to do is save the official BMRCL WhatsApp chatbot number (8105556677) and start the interaction with the bot by sending a message and then purchase the QR tickets. Chatbot is available for both Android and iOS users in Kannada and English," said BMRCL.
On WhatsApp chatbot, passengers can also recharge Metro smartcards, locate the nearest stations, get information on departure timings and fare between two stations. There are also options for customer feedback and payment through WhatsApp UPI.
Payments can also be done through other UPIs and netbanking. "QR tickets on the mobile phone must be flashed at the QR readers of the automatic fare collection gates at both entry/exit stations, BMRCL said.
"The tickets are valid till the end of the commercial service of the day. However, if the commuter is not travelling, he/she may trigger cancellation of the ticket the same day upon which the amount will be refunded," BMRCL added. QR tickets will also get a 5% discount over the token fare.
Abhijit Bose, head of WhatsApp India, said: "BMRCL's QR ticketing service on WhatsApp will make travel and ticketing on Metro simple and convenient. This is yet another example of how organisations across sectors, from the largest transportation service to the smallest retail business, can transform their customers' experience using this platform."
TOI was the first to report the QR-ticketing plan on October 10, 2018 in an article titled 'Soon, use your smartphone to book QR-based Metro tickets'. However, the launch was delayed for various reasons.