In one of its kind, a common transport card facility is finally available for the people in Mumbai.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday evening, April 25, launched India’s first ever National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) at BEST’s Colaba depot. This is significant development for Mumbaikars in a hope to ease the process of daily commute as it can be used for railways, metros, buses, and all public transport modes.
Now tap one single card for all public transport across India!
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 25, 2022
CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray launched BEST Chalo National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) for instant contactless payment in BEST buses, and other modes of transport across India, such as metros, buses, etc #PudheChala pic.twitter.com/mCkIuMTtut
Moreover, with this, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) become the first public transportation service in the state to roll out NCMC.
The card will have an automatic fare collection system and the amount will be deducted from the wallet that can be accessed by the passenger through their smartphones.
BEST General Manager Lokesh Chandra said that the card will be valid across India for any travel or purchase and not just in the red buses of the city. For example, one can take BEST's NCMC card available at a starting price of INR 100 and use it for travel in all public transport. One can buy groceries, or use it at retail showrooms. It can be used as a debit card across the country.
Also Read: BEST’s Multi-purpose Mobile Vans Will Enable Mumbaikars To Pay “These” Utility Bills
Additionally, concessions will be given to school students, including those studying in private schools, that travel by BEST buses.
BEST is in talks with the Railways, MMRDA to integrate it with suburban train services, metro and monorail services in Mumbai. Besides, it is proposed to be made available for auto and taxis, said BEST officials. In later stages, after approval has been granted the card can also be used to purchase season railway tickets, he added.
Speaking at the launch event, Thackery said that BEST will keep progressing and new concepts introduced in Mumbai are being followed everywhere else. Besides, BEST officials also stated that they will soon introduce a premium service, wherein people can book bus seats through a mobile application.
Meanwhile, Mumbai also recently became the first city in the country to get 100% digital buses with a "Tap in and Tap out" facility. This facility came into force from April 19.
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