Metro SMART card crosses 1-lakh mark

Stats released by CMRL on Tuesday showed that over 2.82 lakh people have travelled by metro rail in the last nine days. CMRL had even announced a 40% discount in ticket price to boost patronage after commissioning the underground section. Notably, over 20.25 lakh people have used the metro service till May 21 this year. 

To increase ridership and minimise the use of cash at its stations, CMRL has also integrated some add-on features to the existing SMART card facility. Metro managers have also introduced a group-ticketing system, wherein a 10% discount has been introduced for commuters who travel in groups from schools and colleges.

CMRL has also introduced the store value card on the lines of its SMART card. The easily transferable card could be recharged at ticket vending machines and ticket office machines at metro stations. Unlike in previous card, balance amount available in the store value card would be fully refunded if the user returns the card. The initial store value of the card would be Rs 50 and it could be recharged up to Rs 3,000 with Rs 100 as the minimum balance. The card would be valid for a year from the time of purchase or the recharge, whichever is later. CMRL had earlier introduced the tourist card which allows unlimited ride. The card (Rs 100 fare + Rs 50 refundable deposit) could be used within 30 days from the date of purchase.