Metro Smart Card - Introduction

Namma Metro Smart Cards

The Namma Metro Rail service is expected to commence any time from 25th of September, 2011. All the authorities are working for introduction of the regular service on the 25.9.2011. Let us hope the prestigious service starts as scheduled. Anticipating the service, different types of Travel fare payments facilities are introduced and are expected to further such systems in the near future. Let us examine briefly, the available facilities in the form of Metro Travel Cards.

Debit –cum-Transit Card

The Bangalore Metro – BMRCL- is the first Metro Rail in the world with the facility of smart transit card-cum-debit card – cum – ATM which is really a 'smart contactless combo card'. This card is offered by the State Bank of India. This card can be used for the regular ATM transactions, purchases and also as E-purse for metro travel. We all know and most of us are using the ATM cum Debit cards of various banks. The E-purse usage is comparatively new and definitely so for the travel purposes. This card is just like the debit/credit cards for all purposes. But the ATM/Debit/E-purse cards will have a programmed electronic circuit chip embedded (built in) in them just like the normal debit/credit cards are having some magnetic data in built for the machines to recognize and read. These ATM/Debit/Travel cards, because of the chips inside, will make the passengers to pay the fare of the trip by a simple tap at the specific machines installed at the stations. The cards are available from all S B I offices for a pre paid amount. The recharge (top up) E-purse portion of the cards on depletion of the amount can be done at the ATM or through E- banking, telephone banking and also with cash top ups.

Besides these sources, the SBI will also open facility at the Metro Stations for cash top ups. The customers of SBI can also give standing instructions to their transaction branch to automatically top up (recharge) when the amount in the card goes below a pre determined level. The cards are now available to Bengaluru account holders to start with and the bank has plans to make it available in other places of the country too. Similarly the cards will be available to the customers of other banks also. In due course we may expect a reward program or discount system for the use of the card. This is really a smart card +. For the existing customers of the SBI have choice of availing the facility separately in addition to the existing cards or they can have the combo card on surrendering the existing cards. The SBI spokesperson informed that they will encourage other banks also to follow suit. At the moment, the Delhi Metro is having similar system with CITI Bank, but for credit cards. The BMRCL (Metro) will have facility at stations at the check in terminals which will accept the payments of the smart cards. There will be kiosk for checking up of balance at the stations. The maximum amount of top up for the E purse is Rs 1000/-.

Metro Travel Smartcard

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL – Metro) has already launched its travel card. This card is also like E purse with a pre paid amount. The minimum amount is Rs 50/-. The cards can be purchased online. The top up facility will be available through the Airtel outlets and through the Metro helpline number - 1800-425-12345. The Metro cards are available in different denomination though the Metro Rail service is yet to start. The will avoid delays and inconvenience in boarding the coaches at the stations. The Metro has plans for the Metro card scheme for the school children. The respective institutions can be in touch with the Metro and get cards in bulk on payments of the appropriate amounts. The Metro will give a discount of 10 to 15 per cent discount for travel. The card has to be swiped at the machines installed, at the gates (automated fare collection (ATC) gates to get entry and travel. The Metro Smartcards look like normal debt/credit cards, but are having the embedded electronic circuit chi9ps to accommodate the top ups (recharges), storing amounts (pre paid facility), travel fare validation and ATC entries etc.