Kolkata Metro Railway authorities have reported a significant increase in the sale and usage of Metro Smart Cards over the past three months. From May to July 2024, more than one lakh Smart Cards were sold, reflecting a growing preference among commuters for digital payment options and streamlined travel experiences.
Enhanced Digital Payment Solutions
The introduction of various digital payment modes has been well received by the public. The ‘Metro Ride Kolkata’ app, which allows passengers to purchase tickets and tender fares online, has become a popular tool among commuters. This app provides the convenience of booking and paying for tickets from home, thus eliminating the need for cash transactions and manual ticket purchases.
In addition to online ticketing, the option to buy and recharge Smart Cards using UPI payment modes from ASCRM machines or counters has contributed to the increased adoption of these cards. Metro Smart Cards offer the advantage of multiple rides and financial benefits, making them an attractive choice for regular commuters. The flexibility of using a single card for travel across all Metro corridors in Kolkata adds to its appeal.
During the reporting period, the Blue Line saw the highest number of Smart Card sales, with over 83,000 cards sold. The Green Line-2 followed with more than 14,000 cards, and the Green Line-1 recorded over 8,000 sales. Recharging of Smart Cards also saw impressive numbers, with around 23 lakh recharges on the Blue Line, 13 lakh on Green Line-2, and 12 lakh on Green Line-1.
Metro Railway authorities anticipate continued growth in Smart Card usage as more commuters opt for this efficient and hassle-free ticketing system.