“QR Code tickets on metro rail network are easy to generate and offer great convenience to passengers, help them avoid long queues, and offer seamless travel experience”
The QR Code technology is continuously finding more takers each day as various businesses are increasingly integrating QR Codes in their day-to-day operations. The use of QR Codes not only provides a digital outlook to any business but also enhances customer experience which is one of the biggest driving factors behind this large-scale QR Code adoption. In India, QR Codes find great use in various administrative services as well as public-centric applications. QR Codes are now part of our day-to-day lives whether it is buying milk and vegetables, or paying at fast food stalls eateries, and retail stores. Transportation is another area where QR Code play a significant role in enhancing customer experience and cost savings.
In recent years, Indian metro rail services have been embracing the use of QR code tickets as a convenient and efficient means of fare collection. Earlier we used to get small plastic tokens for each journey inside Indian metro trains which are now completely phased out for obvious reasons, most importantly due to the huge costs involved, bad customer experience (many people used to lose them during the journey), and large crowds queuing up for tokens.
The QR Code-based technological advancement is now particularly prominent in metro networks in cities such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, and others. The adoption of QR code tickets has not only streamlined the ticketing process but has also brought about numerous benefits for both the metro authorities and the commuters.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
The Delhi Metro, one of the largest metro networks in India, has successfully implemented QR code ticketing to simplify the ticketing process for its millions of daily passengers. By scanning the QR code displayed on their smartphones, commuters can easily purchase tickets and gain entry to the metro stations. The DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) in June 2023 launched their DMRC Travel app to allow passengers to buy QR Code-based tickets digitally and by October 2023, people could also purchase the same through Paytm and other digital payment platforms. It has significantly reduced the time spent in queues, leading to a more seamless commuting experience.
How to generate a QR code-based ticket on the DMRC Travel App and Paytm
On the DMRC Travel app, commuters can simply log in using Google or an email ID and create an account. To book a ticket:
1. Select the book ticket option on the app.
2. Select the source and destination stations on your journey.
3. Choose the no. of tickets and move to booking.
4. Confirm your ticket details.
5. Make payments using debit cards, credit cards, or UPI.
6. After payment, the application will generate a QR ticket for your journey.
7. Scan the ticket at the source and destination status to complete your journey.
To book a QR Code-based ticket on the Paytm app, choose the Delhi Metro option and then click on “Metro Ticket”. Enter from and to (source and destination) from the drop-down and proceed to pay. You can pay using a credit card, debit card, and UPI and simply generate your QR Code ticket and avoid long queues on the DMRC network.
Mumbai Metro
Similarly, the Mumbai Metro has integrated QR code tickets into its fare collection system, catering to the needs of the bustling city's population. In November 2022, The Mumbai Metro introduced QR code ticketing allowing passengers to buy one-way tickets via WhatsApp and the Mumbai 1 mobile app, which is the official application to purchase QR Code tickets for the Mumbai Metro network. These QR tickets are valid for the same business day, until the end of operational hours and can be used only once. These tickets are also transferable, so you can generate the same for any of your friends or family members.
The convenience of purchasing tickets through mobile apps and scanning QR codes has resulted in improved efficiency and reduced reliance on physical tickets. It has not only modernized the ticketing process but also contributed to a more environmentally friendly approach by reducing paper usage.
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation
The Bengaluru Metro also offers QR-based tickets and 5% discounts on group tickets (up to 6 passengers) through the Namma Metro BMRCL official app. With this app, commuters in Bengaluru city can easily purchase a QR Code metro ticket and travel throughout the Bengaluru metro network hassle-free.
Kochi Metro Rail Network
In recent QR Code news, the Kochi Metro Rail Network, a relatively newer addition to India's metro networks, has also embraced QR code tickets as a progressive step towards enhancing the commuter experience. It allows passengers to simply generate QR Code tickets from the Paytm app which passengers can scan at Automatic Fair Collection (AFC) points at the metro premises.
The passengers can simply scan their QR codes for entry and exits, a step aimed at minimizing the hassle associated with traditional ticketing methods, contributing to a smoother and more user-friendly travel experience for the city's residents.
Global Examples
Beyond India, several metro networks across the world have also recognized the advantages of QR code ticketing. For example, the London Underground has implemented QR code tickets, offering commuters a seamless and contactless means of accessing the metro system. The Tokyo Metro in Japan has also adopted QR code ticketing, catering to the tech-savvy population of the city and enhancing overall efficiency.
Benefits and Applications of QR Code Ticketing System in Metro Rail
The adoption of QR code tickets in Indian metro rail services and globally has brought forth a myriad of benefits. Firstly, the convenience and ease of use for commuters have significantly improved, leading to a more pleasant travel experience. Secondly, the implementation of QR code tickets has streamlined the ticketing process, reducing queues and waiting times at ticket counters.
The transition to QR code tickets has contributed to a more sustainable approach by minimizing the use of paper tickets, aligning with environmental conservation efforts. Additionally, the integration of QR code tickets has paved the way for future technological advancements in fare collection and commuter services within metro networks.
In conclusion, the incorporation of QR code tickets in Indian metro rail services, particularly in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kochi, marks a significant leap towards modernizing and enhancing the commuter experience. The benefits of convenience, efficiency, and sustainability, coupled with global examples of successful implementation, underscore the promising future of QR code ticketing in metro networks.
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