BMTC, Namma Metro Integration: Single Card Payment System to Launch in June

Unified Mobility Card to Simplify Commuting in Bengaluru

Commuters in Bengaluru will soon be able to navigate both Namma Metro and BMTC buses using a single, unified mobility card, thanks to the implementation of a smart ticketing system by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). Starting in June, BMTC will begin accepting all National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC), including Namma Metro's RBL Bank-issued card, once new electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) are deployed across its fleet.

The smart ticketing rollout is part of a four-year contract, valued at around Rs 30 crore, between BMTC and Mumbai-based mobility startup Chalo. The contract includes the supply and maintenance of 11,000 advanced ETMs that will accept NCMC payments, as well as ticketing software and backend systems. BMTC's total requirement is expected to scale up to about 15,000 machines over the next few years.

A pilot has already been completed with 400 ETMs deployed in two depots, including Yeshwantpur and Subashnagar (Majestic). An additional 1,400 machines are being rolled out across depots such as Banashankari, Kengeri, Chikkanagamangala, Koramangala, and Shivanpura. Full deployment across all depots is expected by the end of April.

Read also: Foreign Institutional Investors Sustain Net Selling of Shares, Domestic Institutional Investors Post Net Buying of Rs 4,701 Crore on April 24

The new system is expected to curb fraud and improve transparency. Currently, passengers can pay fares using UPI in these buses, and instead of static QR codes pasted inside buses, conductors generate transaction QR codes. However, this system has been marred by instances of fraud, such as the recent suspension of 10 conductors for allegedly swapping official QR codes with personal ones to divert payments. The new system ensures tickets are generated only after payment confirmation, reducing misuse and fake payment screenshots.

The NCMC can also be used for retail payments, parking, and tolls, and can be integrated with other transport modes. Officials expect the integrated ticketing system to boost public transport usage, particularly with BMTC now recording a daily ridership of around 45 lakh, while Namma Metro sees about 10 lakh. In addition, BMTC is increasing the number of feeder buses to improve last-mile connectivity.