One card for all transport modes by Dec

Commuters will soon be able to use a ‘common mobility card’ -- possibly by December 2018 -- which would connect all modes of transport in the city. In fact, the MMRDA is in the process of processing requests for appointment of a bank for the purpose managing the card and the financial transactions.

A request proposal would be issued to banks by May. ‘‘In case a commuter uses the mobility card at a suburban railway station, the transaction details will move to the server for clearing.

Once it is cleared, it will reach the respective bank from where the transaction has been made,” said an MMRDA official.

The card will allow commuters to travel in railways, monorail, existing metro corridor and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport buses. Today, passengers are forced to purchase tickets from each operator, which entails their standing in long queues to purchase tickets and recharge smart cards. “The proposed system would reduce ticket queues and make it easier for commuters to purchase tickets, which can be used for all modes of transport. This will be done through a mobile application, which is yet to be developed,” said an MMRDA official.

Officials have also sought help from private institutions to identify a common mobility brand which would become a symbol of the ticketing system in the city. “In India, we have several branded smart cards which includes Kochi1 in Kochi, Janmarg card in Ahmedabad and Maha Card in Nagpur,” informed an MMRDA official.

The planning authority is ready with the Detailed Project Report, which has been prepared by the appointed consultant PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC). Officials are now in the process of finalising the vendor to quote a value for the Integrated Ticketing System (common mobility card).