Mumbai, often celebrated for its towering skyscrapers, vibrant Bollywood scene, and delicious food, is rightly termed the ‘Melting Pot of Culture’. One of the most convenient aspects of the city is its extensive transport network, which includes autos, taxis, metros, buses, local trains, and monorails. However, with this variety comes the hassle of purchasing multiple tickets for each mode of transport. If you’re tired of this ticketing process every time you travel using public transport, there’s some exciting news for you! The city is set to introduce the Mumbai 1 Card, a new initiative that will revolutionize how Mumbaikars commute.
Announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Mumbai 1 Card promises a seamless travel experience, allowing users to access suburban rail services, as well as purchase tickets for the Mumbai Metro, monorail, and public buses – all with a single card. The card will also integrate with an existing mobile application used for Metro travel, facilitating easy ticket booking.
The Mumbai 1 Card Will Launch Within A Month
Expected to launch within a month, this co-branded card by the State Bank of India and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is prepaid, and features several advantageous aspects. It will enable contactless payments via a tap-to-go function, enhanced security through chip protection, and the convenience of a single ticket for journeys involving multiple transport modes. Plus, it will eliminate the need to queue repeatedly during the day.
In case of loss or damage, a replacement fee of INR 100 will apply, and validity will be indicated upon issuance. The system will also be user-friendly, offering easy recharging options at metro stations, vending machines, and other locations. Additionally, various trip-based passes will cater to both regular commuters and tourists, including discounted fares for seniors, students, and differently-abled individuals.
In addition, the introduction of 238 air-conditioned (AC) local trains has been announced. These trains will be phased in gradually, replacing non-AC trains in two stages.