The biggest public sector lender in the nation, SBI, has teamed up with the MMRDA to provide an NCMC-based ticket solution for the newly inaugurated Mumbai metro routes 2A and 7.
The “Mumbai1” card was first given out to commuters on January 20. On January 19, PM Narendra Modi also inaugurated the MMRDA lines 2A and 7, along with the launch of the Mumbai Metro Card, or “Mumbai1.” SBI is the only company authorised to supply NCMC cards under MMRDA lines 2A and 7. SBI Payments, SBI’s merchant acquiring affiliate, will offer the acquiring solution, the bank announced in a press statement on Monday.
According to the statement, it will enable seamless commuter experiences through a variety of digital payment methods, including the NCMC (National Common Mobility Card), QR, and POS. It also stated that it is anticipated that about 10 lakh commuters will choose to use the card because it will make their daily commute much more convenient. MMRDA has given a 5% fare discount for owners of “Mumbai1” cards.
The transit system offers effective interoperability by putting in place the acquiring infrastructure consistent with National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) specifications, permitting online payments for metro ticketing, retail, parking, etc. using a single card.
As part of its ongoing commitment to innovate & customer-centricity, SBI has worked with transport operators for NCMC Initiatives since 2019. SBI has successfully carried out initiatives under NCMC programmes with MMRCL (Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited) for the Nagpur Metro MAHA Card and Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) Ltd under the name “City1 card.” The public will be able to use the NCMC-based ticketing solution that SBI is installing at the Kanpur and Chennai metro systems very soon, according to the company.
The relationship involving SBI and MMRDA would enhance the customer experiences and is in line with the government’s “One Nation One Card” objective, according to Dinesh Khara, Chairman of State Bank of India. Managing low-value-high volume ticketing operations is currently a major difficulty for any public transportation operator. SBI has expertise and experience in administering digital ticketing and has changed the way that transportation payments are made by introducing cutting-edge digital payment solutions. Its innovative transit services enable customers to have an entirely new experience while advancing the goals of Digital India.
Through a subsidiary, SBI is also offering FASTag facilities as an issuer and toll acquisition solutions provider on more than 30 state highways across the nation, including the super-communication Greenfield motorway.
