As the stage is being set for operationalising second phase of the metro rail, the Transport Department is expediting the process of putting in place a system that will enable users to avail multi-modal travel facilities.
The department has decided to introduce a smart card that will serve as single point transaction identity for availing various services including the metro rail, MMTS, buses, cabs and autorickshaws. All that the users need to do is to obtain a pre-loaded card by paying prescribed amount.. Accordingly, e-POS (electronic point of sale) machines will be installed in MMTS stations and buses on the lines of those operational in Hyderabad Metro Rail and some private cab services providers like Ola and Uber.
Senior officials said some nationalised banks have come forward to finance the costs for installation of e-POS machines in all the 3,800 buses plying within the Greater Hyderabad limits. “Each e-POS machine costs about ₹6,000 and a nationalised bank has come forward to finance the cost incurred for all the buses operating in the GHMC limits,” a senior official said. He, however, did not reveal the name of the bank saying the finer details of the agreement were yet to be finalised.
The official told The Hindu that a series of meetings were held with cab service providers and they had agreed to become part of the smart card service. The department had decided to install e-POS machines in the autorickshaws too. It had decided to deploy machines in 1,000 vehicles initially. “Installation of e-POS machines involves cost and a section of autorickshaw owners might not be in a position to afford it. Therefore, we have resolved to restrict the numbers initially,” the official said.
The App, being prepared by the department for the multi-modal service, is in advanced stages. Once it is put in place, users will be able to know the mode of transport available at the station/bus stop they would prefer to get down.
The smart card-based multi-modal system is expected to become operational within two months.
