According to sources, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation will soon introduce an interoperable smart card that would work for both modes of public transport. Presently the smart card ensures users do not have to wait in the queues while using the metro. Reportedly the new cards will work both at the metro automatic fare collection gates and also the handheld ticketing machines used by BMTC conductors.
Furthermore after studying the usage patterns of both BMTC and BMRCL, it has been decided that the pilot project will be carried out in Bayappanahalli and Kempegowda (Majestic) metro stations. Speaking to TNM, BMRCL Managing Director ajay Seth said that the pilot project will start in October first week. CurrentlyBMRCL is working on making the pilot project operational in four months. “But implementing the full system will take time,” said Seth, adding, “We are taking more time as we will be using ticket collection gates, which Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) along with Centre For Development Of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has developed indigenously.”
He added “We have requested BEL and C-DAC to develop a prototype for us. If the ticket collection gates are made in india, then the costs will go down significantly. Currently, all ticket collection gates across the country are imported".
