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Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has appointed Ernst & Young as consultant for developing the ‘common smart card ticketing solution’ for the proposed Kochi metro. According to a KMRL release, the consultant is expected to deliver the detailed feasibility report within six months. Its responsibility includes preparation of policy for implementation of the smart card-based ticketing system and discussions with all the stakeholders for implementation of the Smart Card.
Subsequently, a suitable institution would be identified by KMRL for the implementation of ‘open loop, smart card’ system. This is expected to be implemented by the time Kochi’s metro is commissioned in December 2016. Once this is rolled out, Kochi would be the first city in the country and may be one among the few cities in the world having an open loop card payment system capable for multi model transport ticketing. KMRL is also a nodal agency for implementation of Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UTMA) and creation of Urban Transport Fund.
UMTA-Kochi envisages a common smart card for all payment applications including transport, shopping and all other payment needs. These smart cards could be used on the networks/ticketing terminals as well, the released added.
