KOCHI:
In a major push towards a cashless and integrated payments system incorporating various modes of transport in Kochi, the usage of the KMRL Axis Bank Kochi1 metro card has now been extended to buses as well. Axis Bank today signed an agreement, through Kochi Metro Rail Corporation (KMRL) for implementing this fare collection & ticketing solution with private operators that run over a 1,000 buses in the city.
Launched in June, 2017, the Kochi1 Card is India’s first open loop EMV contactless metro card that offers a convenient and hassle free travel experience for commuters in Kochi. The Bank also has a mobile app which can be used by commuters to manage their card and also to get QR tickets on the go for their travel. Through this mobile app, commuters can check the current balance on their card, reload their card through any debit/credit card, generate mini statement w.r.t. card usage and check timetables, fare details and even block their card, if required.
1. Kochi Metropolitan Transport Co-operative Society Ltd
2. Perfect Bus Metro Services LLP
3. Kochi Wheelz United LLP
4. My Metro LLP
5. Muziris LLP
6. Prateeksha Transport Operators Organiation Private Ltd
7. Greater Cochin Bus Transport LLP
The Kochi1 Card is a prepaid card which has integrated benefits and offers a plethora of services to commuters such as:
o Shopping experience at merchant outlets: Exclusive dining delights, offers on local merchants, cash-back on utility payments, thereby
reducing the hassle of carrying multiple cards.
o Instant issuance of Personalized Cards: The commuter will receive a completely personalized (with name) KMRL Axis Bank ‘Kochi1’ Card across metro and bus counters in a matter of minutes. 20% discount on metro rides
Convenience of recharge: The commuter can easily top up the card through cash or debit or credit card
”The new system would bring about extensive usage of the metro card and would go a long way in ensuring multimodal integration of transportation facilities. Moreover larger experience awaits the users of the card and this model created by Axis bank in association with KMRL would certainly be taken up by similar institutions across the country”, said A P M Mohammed Hanish, MD KMRL.
Sanjeev Moghe, Executive Vice President – Cards & MAB, Axis Bank said, “Today’s event marks a significant milestone in Axis Bank’s efforts to expand the use of digital payments, which are not only more efficient, but also more secure and inclusive. We feel privileged to be associated with KMRL to offer this solution to the commuters in Kochi’ “Axis Bank has always been at the forefront of promoting a digitized economy and we are confident that the Kochi1 Card will provide further encouragement to users as India continues to take rapid strides towards becoming a ‘less-cash’ economy” Sanjeev Moghe added.
