Bengaluru: Giving a hassle free boarding experience, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has launched the much-awaited WhatsApp-based ticketing system, besides the existing Namma Metro app to issue tickets to the commuters.
With this BMRCL becomes the first transit service in the world to introduce an end-to-end ticketing system on Whatsapp.
In a statement BMRCL said, “Metro commuters who are having a smartphone can avoid hassles of standing in front of ticket counters for purchasing tokens. Commuters can purchase single-journey QR tickets through the Namma Metro mobile application or WhatsApp. Those using Android mobile phones can download the Namma Metro application on Playstore and register themselves to purchase tickets”.
How does WhatsApp ticketing work?
WhatsApp users have to save the official BMRCL WhatsApp chatbot number 8105556677 on their phones. Commuters can start an interaction with the bot by sending a “hi” message for purchasing QR tickets.
Also Read: Bangalore metro to launch QR-based ticketing system next month
The options available on the WhatsApp chatbot are in Kannada and English languages. Using the chatbot, commuters can also recharge Metro smartcards.
The WhatsApp chatbot helps commuters to plan their journey by finding the nearest metro station from the current location, train timings at different stations and other relevant information. Commuters can make the payment through a unified payment interface (UPI).
How to use single journey QR ticket in Namma metro stations?
Commuters may obtain the QR ticket on Namma Metro app or WhatsApp by specifying the station of entry and destination station on the day of journey. Such QR tickets on the mobile phone must be flashed at the QR readers of the Automatic Gates (AG) at both entry/exit stations.
Also Read: Passengers crowd Bengaluru metro after pandemic pause
Mobile QR tickets are valid for the day
The purchased Mobile QR tickets are valid till the end of the revenue service of the day. However, if the commuter is not performing the journey, he may trigger the cancellation of the ticket on the same day upon which the amount will be refunded.
Discount on QR tickets
QR tikets are being offered at 5% discount over the token fare. All commuters are requested to make use of the facility of QR tickets, promote digitization and also travel conveniently at lesser costs.
