"In the next meeting another presentation would be made on the smart card system for Mumbaikars. Today's discussion was positive in making it a reality," said an official privy to the meeting. UMMTA meets once every month.
Having a single smart card for all modes of transport in Mumbai is closer to reality.
The latest development is that the Railways is interested in joining the integrated smart card system. The Railways indicated its willingness in a meeting of the Unified Mumbai Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMMTA) on Monday.
"In the next meeting another presentation would be made on the smart card system for Mumbaikars. Today's discussion was positive in making it a reality," said an official privy to the meeting. UMMTA meets once every month.
As per the plan, a single smart card would be valid for varied purposes, which includes travel on metro rail, monorail, suburban railway, BEST buses, taxis, auto rickshaws, paying for parking slots, etc.
Taxis, auto rickshaws and parking would be roped in at a later stage. As part of the initial stages metro, monorail, buses and trains would be covered.
"It would have been a futile exercise if railways had not participated in becoming part of the integrated system. There are few commuters who use buses, metro and monorails. A major chuck of Mumbai's travellers continue to use suburban trains," said another official.
At the moment, Mumbaikars carry four smart cards to travel in four different transportation systems of Mumbai – public bus, suburban locals, metro and mono rail.
Other issues discussed during the meeting included preparing a plan for a Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme outside one of the four railway stations of Mumbai on a priority basis. One of these four stations will be selected for the project- Kurla East, Bandra East, Andheri East and West and Dadar.
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