Delhi, the bustling metropolis, is set to take a leap towards seamless public transit with the upcoming introduction of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) in buses. Following its successful implementation in the metro system, the Delhi government is planning to roll out the NCMC for bus services by December.
A Revolutionary Step for Commuters: With this development, travelers will soon be able to use their NCMC to pay bus fares, offering a unified and hassle-free payment solution for multiple modes of public transport. Initially, this facility will be launched in buses, with autos and taxis slated to follow suit once the system’s efficacy is established during the initial phase.
Delhi’s Impressive Bus Fleet: Delhi boasts a robust public transportation system, with a combined fleet of over 7,700 buses, including 800 electric buses, operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster. On average, more than 40 lakh individuals rely on these buses for their daily commute, with women constituting approximately 35% of the total ridership.
Simplifying Daily Ticket Purchases: Excluding passengers eligible for free rides, over 25 lakh people purchase bus tickets daily by paying fares. The introduction of the National Common Mobility Card is poised to streamline the ticket purchase process, making it quicker and more efficient for these daily travelers.
Learning from the Past: In 2018, Delhi introduced the ‘One Card’ for buses, offering a 10% discount on fares when payments were made using the card. However, due to limited popularity, this service was discontinued. Now, the city is refocusing its efforts on implementing the NCMC across various modes of transport. This versatile card will facilitate payments for parking, tolls, metro tickets, train tickets, bus fares, and more across the country.
Versatile and Convenient: The NCMC offers added convenience as it allows users to withdraw cash from any ATM across the country. Moreover, transactions of up to INR 2,000 can be conducted without the need for a PIN or OTP, making it an efficient choice for a wide range of transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. When is the National Common Mobility Card expected to be introduced in Delhi buses?
- The Delhi government plans to introduce the National Common Mobility Card in buses by December.
2. Is the NCMC currently operational in any other public transport in Delhi?
- Yes, the NCMC is currently operational in Delhi Metro.
3. Will the NCMC be introduced in autos and taxis as well?
- The introduction of NCMC in autos and taxis will follow the successful implementation in buses.
4. How many buses are currently operational in Delhi?
- Delhi has a combined fleet of over 7,700 buses from DTC and Cluster, including 800 electric buses.
5. How many people commute by buses daily in Delhi?
- On average, more than 40 lakh individuals commute by buses daily in Delhi.
6. What was the ‘One Card’ introduced earlier?
- The ‘One Card’ was introduced in 2018, offering a 10% discount on fares when payment was made using the card. However, it was discontinued due to a lack of popularity.
7. What are the other facilities provided by the NCMC?
- The NCMC facilitates payments for parking, tolls, metro tickets, train tickets, bus fares, etc., across the country. Additionally, cash can be withdrawn from any ATM across the country using this card, and transactions of up to INR 2,000 can be made without entering a PIN or OTP.
The imminent introduction of the National Common Mobility Card in Delhi’s bus services signifies a significant stride toward a unified, efficient, and integrated public transportation system. By simplifying the payment process, it aims to encourage more individuals to opt for public transport, promoting sustainability and convenience in urban transit.
