KOCHI: The Kochi Metro looks set to offer a new travel culture. As a first step to integrate the existing transport network in Greater Kochi, the KMRL and Axis bank jointly launched ‘Kochi1’, India’s first open loop, EMV, contactless metro card expected to make travel convenient and hassle free.
The commuter will receive a completely personalised (with name) KMRL Axis Bank Kochi1 card across the counter in a matter of minutes. The smart card, costing Rs 150, will be issued and loaded at KMRL issuance counters; it can also be re-charged online through the ticket vending machines at stations or through a soon-to-be launched Kochi1 app.
The card will ensure exact debit of the ride fare while exiting from the metro station. The commuter can easily top up the card through cash, debit or credit card. The prepaid card has integrated benefits; while it cannot be used for ATM transactions, it can be used for shopping at merchant outlets and for payment of utility bills. The mobile app, which will soon be available on Playstore, can be used by commuters to manage their card and get QR tickets on the go for travel on the metro.
“This is one of the most innovative PPPs in the world and the Kochi1 card and app are much more than a travel instrument. We are confident these products will be immensely popular and this model will surely be emulated in other cities too,” said KMRL managing director Elias George.
Axis Bank CEO and MD Shikha Sharma said, “The Kochi1 card marks a significant milestone in our efforts to further expand the use of electronic payments which are more efficient, secure and inclusive. The metro card will give commuters further encouragement as India makes rapid strides towards becoming a ‘less-cash’ economy.”
