NEW DELHI: The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is taking a step towards modernizing fare collection and reducing the use of paper passes by introducing a smart card-based ticketing project in the city within the next month, according to officials.
This innovative initiative will allow passengers to conveniently pay their fares using contactless smart cards, mobile payments, QR codes, debit and credit cards, as well as the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), announced Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh.
The primary goal of this project is to provide commuters with a seamless travel experience while eliminating the operational inefficiencies associated with traditional paper-based systems. Currently, the smart card system is operational in Rajghat, Hasanpur, and Kalkaji depots.
The Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS), the agency responsible for implementing the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS), will issue these contactless cards to passengers for a one-time fee of Rs 50. The actual cost of issuing the card is Rs 71, with DIMTS covering a portion of the cost. Passengers will also be charged Rs 14 for each pass renewal.
The board has approved the installation of 5,700 Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) that conductors will use to issue tickets through digital payment options, streamlining the process and enhancing transparency and user-friendliness.
This initiative is expected to benefit the government financially, as service charges paid to DIMTS on ticketed revenue will be reduced from 1% to 0.75%, without any minimum revenue guarantee, according to a Delhi Transport official who spoke to PTI on the condition of anonymity.
The Transport Department has also requested DIMTS to cover the costs of implementation and manpower required for the project, which would ultimately result in lower ticket prices for passengers.
