The landscape of metro travel in Chennai is evolving, as the Chennai Metropolitan Rail Limited (CMRL) takes steps to transition commuters towards the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) system. With this move, CMRL has ceased issuing smart cards, signaling a shift towards modernizing ticketing options and embracing digital advancements in public transportation.The decision to discontinue issuing smart cards was confirmed by CMRL officials, who highlighted that existing smart cardholders could still recharge and utilize their cards for metro travel. This move marks a significant departure from the past, when smart cards and tokens were the primary means of fare payment upon the inception of Chennai Metro Rail services nearly a decade ago.
According to CMRL data, smart cards recorded the highest usage in March, with approximately 37.64 lakh users. However, the cessation of smart card issuance occurred in November 2023, coinciding with the introduction of NCMC. Officials emphasize that NCMC offers similar functionalities as smart cards, making it a more versatile option for passengers. NCMC cards can be used not only for metro travel but also for shopping and accessing other modes of transportation, presenting a seamless and integrated travel experience.
While CMRL’s decision reflects a forward-looking approach to transit technology, it has elicited mixed reactions from commuters. Some express discontent with the discontinuation of smart cards, citing their ease of purchase compared to NCMC, which requires additional documentation such as ID proofs.
Others acknowledge the benefits of NCMC but advocate for the continuation of smart cards, particularly for elderly passengers who find them more convenient for purchase and recharge.