Common card for DTC buses, Metro from July

With the Delhi government deciding to launch the project for seamless transition between different modes of public transport in the city, Delhiites will be able to travel on Metro trains, DTC and cluster buses using a “common mobility card” from July.

The AAP government said that it is finalising the modalities of the project which will be launched in a phased manner in the national capital.

“We will launch the common mobility card project in July this year using which passengers can travel on Metro, DTC buses and cluster (orange) buses run by DIMTS. The project will be launched on a trial basis in Delhi,” city transport minister Gopal Rai told a news agency.

The minister said by the end of June, fares will be charged in all DTC buses and cluster buses through e-ticketing machines (ETMs) and thereafter the AAP government will move towards the launch of the common mobility card.

“We are currently in talks with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for finalising a revenue sharing model. In July, commuters can travel in Metro, DTC buses, and cluster buses through Common Mobility Card. As per the plan, while boarding the bus a commuter will have to give this card to conductor who will swipe it in an e-ticketing machine and, just before getting off the vehicle, he or she will again have to swipe the card in the ETM and fares will be automatically deducted like the Metro,” the transport minister said.

The common mobility card had been proposed during the Commonwealth Games, but the project did not take off due to financial reasons.

As part of strengthening public transport system, the AAP government has chalked out a concrete plan, including buying 3,000 new buses till December this year, installation of CCTV cameras and wi-fi services in buses.