Tue Feb 04 17:35:11 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Metro Sees Surge in Singara Chennai Card Usage After MTC Integration

**Chennai, February 5, 2025** – The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has reported a significant increase in the usage and sales of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), also known as the Singara Chennai Card, since its integration with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus services in January. This follows a decision by CMRL to phase out its older contactless smartcards by April.

The surge in popularity is attributed to the convenience of using a single card for both metro rail and bus travel. While the NCMC was introduced nearly two years ago, sales have skyrocketed from an average of 650-750 cards per day in 2024 to approximately 1,800 per day in the past three weeks, following the MTC integration.

In January, the number of commuters using Singara Chennai Cards (25.3 lakh) surpassed the number using the older smartcards (23.7 lakh) for the first time, reversing a trend seen in previous months. This contrasts sharply with November and December, when smartcard usage significantly outpaced NCMC usage.

Commuters like R. Boopalan have welcomed the change, highlighting the ease and efficiency of using one card for their daily commute, eliminating the need for cash for bus fares.

The increased demand has prompted CMRL to expand its infrastructure. The agency plans to add 50 more machines across the network to accommodate Singara Chennai Card payments for parking fees, addressing current delays caused by limited payment options.

However, the transition has also raised concerns. CMRL is phasing out contactless smartcards starting with ten stations, with a complete discontinuation by April. While commuters are urged to use their remaining smartcard balances, the process of transferring those balances to the Singara Chennai Cards remains unclear, particularly for smaller amounts. CMRL clarified that balances above ₹500 can be used until April, after which a transfer will be implemented, while smaller balances can be transferred immediately. The agency emphasized that the shift to NCMC is necessary for compatibility with the upcoming Phase II expansion, where only open-loop cards like the Singara Chennai Card will be accepted.

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