ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 Certified
ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 Certified
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has embraced digital transformation to enhance the ticketing experience for its commuters. By leveraging modern technologies and digital solutions, CMRL has streamlined its ticketing operations, improving efficiency, convenience, and customer satisfaction. This document aims to highlight the key aspects of the digital transformation in ticketing at CMRL.
CMRL was created by the Government of Tamil Nadu as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). It was incorporated on 03.12.2007 under the Companies Act. It has now been converted into a Joint Venture of Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu with equal equity holding with a mission of providing a safe, fast, reliable, accessible, convenient, comfortable, efficient and affordable public transport service preferred by all in a sustainable manner. Its functional head quarter is at METROS, No.327, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai-600 035, Tamil Nadu, India. Mail at chennaimetrorail@cmrl.in.
Chennai Metro had fully commissioned all its 32 stations (Phase I) by July 2015. And 9 Phase I extension stations by Feb 2021.- The total operational stretch for CMRL is of 52.4 Kms (Corridor 1 and Corridor 2) and is under further expansion under the upcoming project of Phase II. The Phase II project shall commission three corridors – Corridor 3, 4 and 5 with a total of 112 stations spread across the Chennai city in 118.9 Kms.
With the current stretch of 52.4 Kms being operational is fetching an average ridership of 2.7 lakhs per day. The ridership can be attributed to the various modes of ticketing and other related ease, convenience and other benefits offered by CMRL.
CMRL has offered a wide variety of ticketing options to passengers along with other benefits in the forms of –
CMRL has introduced a contactless smart card system, commonly known as “Travel Cards,” which can be recharged online or at designated kiosks. Commuters can easily obtain and top-up these cards using CMRL Mobile App as well as CMRL website which has various options for payment like UPI, Net Banking etc., enabling quick and hassle-free entry into the metro stations. The smart cards offer convenience, as users can tap their cards at the gates, eliminating the need for physical tickets or cash transactions.
Benefits of Smart Card System:
CMRL has inaugurated the National Common Mobility Card on 14th April 2023. The card has new era digital ticketing features like transit application of small value transactions, online purchase transactions and retail outlets use cases. As on 02nd April 24, a total of 2,16,000 cards have been issued till now with a daily ridership of around 60,000 passengers.
Benefits of Smart Card System:
CMRL has introduced a mobile app available in Play store and IOS platform allowing commuters to purchase and validate tickets using their smartphones. The passengers can recharge their smart cards online.This digital solution enhances customer convenience and reduces dependency on physical interactions. Through a dedicated mobile application, passengers can easily browse fare options, select their desired ticket, chose from available routes, plan their journey, recharge their smart cards and make secure payments using various digital payment methods. The mobile ticketing system eliminates the need for physical tickets, reducing queues, paper usage and enhancing the overall ticketing process.
To increase the digital footprint of CMRL across Chennai city, CMRL has introduced QR code mode of ticketing in September 2020. Passengers can purchase QR code ticket through the mobile application. These QR codes are scanned at the entry/exit gates, allowing smooth access to the platforms. This technology significantly reduces the time required for ticket validation, effectively advantageous post COVID-19 situation.
Benefits of QR Ticketing System:
In QR domain we have made several enhancements like:
To promote cashless transactions, CMRL has integrated its ticketing system with various digital payment platforms, including credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets, and UPI (Unified Payments Interface). This integration allows commuters to choose their preferred payment method, enhancing flexibility and convenience while purchasing tickets or recharging smart cards. All these payment instruments are available across all platforms of ticketing available for CMRL passengers.
CMRL is the first Metro organization to integrate the digital payments through CMRL Contactless Smart Cards for parking fares at facilities given by CMRL metro stations launched in December 2018. The application was further enhanced with vide options and customizations for revenue reporting and reconciliation. The full-fledged release of the enhanced app was released in October 2021. New requirements are taken up and developments go on as per management requirements and customizations for providing better facilities and benefits to CMRL passengers. Apart from that CMRL also gives dynamic discounts to metro commuters based on the number of trips they made in metro; more the trips, more the discount!
CMRL has deployed digital displays at metro stations to provide real-time information on train schedules, platform details, and service updates. Passengers can easily access this information, allowing them to plan their journeys effectively. Additionally, CMRL provides real-time updates through its mobile application and official website, ensuring commuters are well-informed about any disruptions or changes in services.
The real time parking slot availability is made accessible to all the commuters through CMRL official website and mobile application. With this facility CMRL Commuters can find out the capacity, type of vehicle parking available and currently availability of parking slots at all the parking areas which are managed by the CMRL.
The digital transformation in ticketing at Chennai Metro Rail Limited has revolutionized the way passengers interact with the ticketing system. Through the implementation of mobile ticketing, QR code integration, smart card systems, and online platforms, CMRL has significantly improved
convenience, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. By embracing digital technologies, CMRL continues to enhance its services, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for commuters using the Chennai Metro Rail network.
Last Updated On : May 29, 2024
