Indian metro is a developing metro system as even today, the metro system has been developing in various country cities. The Kolkata Metro was India’s first metro, which began operation in 1984. Kolkata has an underground metro rail system. Many cities in our country have under-construction metro services. The government is taking up this construction of the metro in a planned way.
With the emerging needs of the country and its citizens, the Indian government is planning and taking decisions based on that. The main challenge for our country is to provide a basic and efficient way to the transportation system; hence, developing the Indian Metro Rail system in a planned way is a good move on behalf of the country.
The metro rail system provides its passengers with a great service for using smart metro cards. Smart metro cards allow passengers to make contactless payments and buy tickets for their respective routes. These cards are designed to make paying for travel more convenient, efficient, and secure than traditional ticketing methods.
What Is A Metro Smart Card?
A metro smart card is a card that you can use instead of paper tickets to pay for your metro fare. It stores information about how much money is left on the card, where you have travelled, and all other details about your balance and travel history. Using a smart card is faster and easier than paper tickets because you need to tap the card on a machine, saving time and reducing lines.
The smart card system has several advantages over traditional paper tickets. First, it allows for faster payment, allowing riders to tap the card on a card reader instead of inserting a ticket into a machine. It can offer more flexibility and savings for riders. Some smart card systems provide discounted fares for frequent riders or allow riders to prepay for multiple trips or passes. This can make public transportation more affordable.
How Do Offline Buying Tickets Work In Metros?
Offline buying of tickets in metros typically involves purchasing a physical ticket from a ticket vending machine or a ticket counter at the station. These tickets are generally made of paper containing information about the fare and the journey. To buy a ticket from a vending machine, passengers must select their destination and the type of ticket they want, such as a single ride or a day pass.
The machine will then calculate the fare and print the ticket with a unique code that the metro system’s ticket readers can read. Passengers can buy tickets from a ticket counter by specifying their destination and the type of ticket they need. The ticket agent will then calculate the fare and issue a paper ticket with the necessary information printed on it. Once the ticket has been used, it cannot be reused and needs to be discarded.
Metro Smart Card Vs. Buying Ticket:
A metro smart card is better than buying individual tickets because it’s faster, more affordable, secure, and environmentally friendly. However, not all metros have smart card systems, so buying tickets may be the only option in some places. In addition, several differences exist between using a metro smart card and buying a ticket.
A smart card is more convenient than a ticket because it is faster and easier to use. You must touch the card to a machine instead of finding and using a ticket machine or counter. Smart cards can save money over buying individual tickets, especially for frequent riders. Smart card systems often offer discounted fares or allow riders to prepay for multiple trips or passes, making public transportation more affordable.
Smart cards are more environmentally friendly than paper tickets because they are reusable and do not generate as much waste. Smart cards are safer than paper tickets because the digital information on the card is protected by a secret code, making it difficult for others to make a copy or fake the card.
Whether a metro smart card or buying a ticket is better depends on personal preference, travel frequency, and the availability of smart card systems in your location. Typically, a metro smart card is more suitable for frequent riders due to its convenience and cost savings, while purchasing tickets may be a better choice for those who ride public transportation occasionally or in areas where smart card systems are not yet available.
Ultimately, the decision between a smart card and buying tickets should be based on individual preferences and specific circumstances, such as travel frequency, budget, and the availability of smart card systems in the area. Therefore, evaluating both options’ benefits and drawbacks is essential before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A: There are several advantages of using a metro smart card instead of buying a ticket every time you travel on the metro. Some of the benefits include:
Convenience: With a smart card, you don’t need to stand in long queues at the ticket counter whenever you travel. You can recharge your card online or at a metro station for future travels.
Cost-effective: Using a smart card can be more cost-effective than buying a ticket whenever you travel. In many cities, the fare for a smart card is lower than the regular fare for a single journey.
Time-saving: Since you don’t need to buy a ticket every time you travel, you can save time and board the train quickly.
Transferability: Smart cards can be transferred from one person to another, making them convenient for families or groups travelling together.
A: While there are several advantages of using a metro smart card, there are also a few drawbacks. Some of the potential disadvantages include:
Initial cost: You need to pay an initial amount to purchase a smart card, which may be a deterrent for some people who prefer to pay for each journey separately.
Card Expiration: Smart cards have an expiration date and need to be renewed or recharged periodically. If you forget to renew your card, you may buy a ticket instead, which defeats the purpose of having a smart card.
Refund process: If you lose your smart card or decide to stop using it, the refund process can be time-consuming and cumbersome in some cities. You may need to submit an application and provide proof of identity to get your refund.
