MMRDA may bring in integrated smart card for toll, rlys, buses

Motorists in the city may soon be able to pay toll with a smart card that can also be used to purchase tickets for suburban trains, buses, Metro and Monorail.

After a recent visit to London to study their integrated ticketing system, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) officials are now contemplating introducing a common smart card.

Sanjay Khandare, additional metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA, said, "During our visit to London, we were shown two options - one where toll payment would be included in the system and one without the option of being able to pay toll."

He added, "The toll option would be limited within the city initially and may be extended later. For now, we are studying different models, considering the complexity of Mumbai where there are different agencies handling different modes of transport."

Officials from Railways, MMRDA and the BEST had visited London last month to study the 'Oyster Card' system, a form of electronic ticketing system used for travelling in the London Tube, railway, trams, boats along with the UK's national rail services.

At a review meeting last week, CM Devendra Fadnavis had asked MMRDA to introduce a single ticketing system by end of the year.