NEW DELHI: The Urban Development Ministry has launched the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), by the name ‘c’, that will enable citizens to use transport networks across the country, with a single card.
The idea of NCMC is to promote the user to perceive it as a single transport system and provide the commuter with a seamless, efficient and hassle free travel experience across the length and breadth of the country.
Seamless connectivity across multiple modes of transportation will increase the popularity and acceptability of public transport nationally and make public transport more appealing to the end user.
‘More’ signifying the national bird Peacock as also literally in English meaning ‘more’ to convey that you get more and more by using this card.
This mode of single ticketing system is being considered not only for public transport but for parking and toll as well. For this purpose, it is spearheading a national program of inter-operable Automatic Fare Collection systems. This means that a single CMC card can be used across cities and different modes of transport.
The implementation of ‘More’ will be partly funded by the Central Government under the JnNURM scheme covering the buses sanctioned under the scheme. It is hoped that NCMC would benefit the Public Transport Organisations by significantly increasing overall efficiency; provide control and better management of tariff structure; reduce cash handling and hence lesser pilferage & fraud; better planning based on passenger statistics.
Standardization is being brought about by UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL). So far agreement has been signed with JCTSL, Jaipur and by the end of this financial year, roll-out in Jaipur is anticipated.
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, Bangalore and Bhopal Municipal Corporation are also at advance stages of entering into the agreement.