Metro goes credit way

In a few months you would be able to use your credit card as a smart card to travel in the Delhi Metro. In a first, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has tied up with Citibank to have a common card for commuters.

“The credit card issued by Citibank would have an additional magnetic strip so it can double up as a Metro smart card,” said Anuj Dayal, chief public relations officer, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

“This is the first time such cards would be issued after a tie-up with a bank. We had invited bids for a tie-up and finally Citibank was selected as their offer was the best,” he said.

Similar technology is in use in the Metro systems of Singapore and New York.

A Citibank spokesman said the cards would have embedded chips so users can access the Delhi Metro. The card would be like any normal credit card and users can use it to draw money or do shopping.

Card users, however, will not be able to pay for Metro charges from their bank account. They would have to pay an amount separately and refill the cards at the Metro stations to use it as a smart card. Though Dayal said discussions were still on and the modalities were yet to be worked out, sources said the cards would be issued in about three months.

“Metro’s smart cards could also be used in Delhi Transport Corporation buses soon. There are plans to have an integrated card for seamless travel between Metro and buses,” Dayal said.

He said discussions for the integrated smart cards are on and very soon commuters would be able to interchange between different modes of transport without paying charges more than once.