Chennai Metro phases out smartcards for Singara Chennai Cards
Chennai Metro Rail is witnessing a major shift in its ticketing system as the Singara Chennai Card gains rapid popularity among commuters. This transition, which began gradually, accelerated in January 2024 when the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) integrated the card into its bus services. The impact was immediate—sales of Singara Chennai Cards surged from 650-750 daily in early 2024 to an impressive 1,800 per day over the past 20 days. Commuters are increasingly adopting this National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), which allows seamless travel between metro and bus networks, eliminating the need for separate tickets. Official data from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) highlights this shift: in November and December 2023, 27.5 lakh commuters used smartcards, while Singara Chennai Cards were used by 20.4 lakh and 22.03 lakh travellers, respectively. However, in January, the tables turned, with 25.3 lakh commuters opting for the Singara Chennai Card, surpassing smartcard usage, which dropped to 23.7 lakh.
The shift is driven by convenience, as commuters like R. Boopalan, a regular metro and bus user, note the ease of carrying a single card for multiple transit modes. “Earlier, I had to juggle between different tickets and keep cash ready for MTC buses. With the Singara Chennai Card, everything is streamlined—I tap and go without hassle,” he explains. However, the increased adoption also brings logistical challenges. Metro stations currently have limited machines to process Singara Chennai Card payments for parking, leading to congestion during peak hours. In response, CMRL has announced plans to deploy 50 additional card processing machines across the network to reduce waiting times and enhance commuter experience.
From a sustainability standpoint, the transition to an integrated mobility card aligns with Chennai’s broader goals of promoting public transport over private vehicles. By encouraging more commuters to use metros and buses instead of personal cars or motorbikes, the city aims to reduce carbon emissions and ease traffic congestion. The adoption of NCMCs is in line with similar global trends—many developed cities have successfully implemented unified transport payment systems, such as London’s Oyster Card and Singapore’s EZ-Link. Chennai’s move signals a step towards a more digitally enabled and environmentally conscious urban transport system. Moreover, as metro expansion under Phase II progresses, digital ticketing solutions like the Singara Chennai Card will play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and reducing the dependency on paper tickets and outdated closed-loop smartcard technology.
Beyond sustainability, the phase-out of smartcards raises civic concerns regarding accessibility and awareness. While digital adoption is growing, not all commuters are tech-savvy, and some remain unaware of the transition. Currently, smartcards are being phased out gradually, with select stations already discontinuing their use. By April, smartcards will no longer be accepted across Chennai Metro stations, and commuters with remaining balances will be required to transfer their funds to the Singara Chennai Card. For those with balances below ₹50, immediate transfers are being facilitated, whereas higher balances—up to ₹500—can be used until the final phase-out date. The challenge lies in ensuring a smooth transition, particularly for daily wage workers and elderly passengers who rely on public transport but may not be well-versed in digital transactions. As Chennai moves towards a more connected and digitised urban transport ecosystem, proactive communication and accessibility measures will be key to making the transition seamless for all commuters.
