KOCHI: As part of implementing a multi-mode transport ticketing system for the Metro Rail, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is planning to roll out a smart card that will help users meet all their payment needs, including transportation and shopping.
The smart cards could be used both on the networks and ticketing terminals.
The KMRL on Friday officially announced that it had appointed Ernst and Young (E&Y) as consultant for developing the ‘Common Smart Card Ticketing Solution’ for the Kochi Metro Rail.
The E&Y is expected to deliver the detailed feasibility report within six months. The responsibility of the consultant includes implementation of the smart card based ticketing system, preparation of policy for the system and discussing with the stakeholders for the implementation of the system.
“The development of a ‘Common Smart Card Ticketing Solution’ is a key component of the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA), Kochi.
The UMTA-Kochi is evaluating the adoption of open-loop smart card system for fare collection, a system being used by many leading transit organisations in the world.
“The UMTA-Kochi envisages a common smart card for all payment applications, including transport and shopping. Therefore, a smart card based on Europay, MasterCard and Visa has been identified as the form factor for the ticketing systems for all transport operators in the Greater Kochi area, thus fostering an interoperable multi-modal transit-ticketing ecosystem,” said KMRL authorities.
Subsequently, a suitable institution will be identified by the KMRL for the implementation of the open-loop, smart card system.
“This is expected to be implemented by the time the Kochi Metro Rail is commissioned in December 2015. Once the Metro Rail is rolled out, Kochi would be the first city in the country, and may be one among the few cities in the world, having an open-loop card payment system capable of supporting multi-mode transport ticketing,” they added.