NFC to replace Metro tokens, cards

They would also have options to use QR code based facility on their smartphones to purchase tickets.

Sources from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) said that they have issued tenders to set up state-of-the-art ticketing systems like NFC-based open-loop payment system and QR code-based system that uses mobile phones.

“The QR code-based system facilitates the customers to purchase metro rail tickets without being physically present at the Metro station. The commuter can buy a QR ticket using a mobile application by selecting the boarding station, destination station and the number of passengers. The code will be generated once the payment is done,” said a CMRL official. It would facilitate payments through various options including mobile wallets, payment gateways, debit cards and other such latest modes. The code generated by this app can then be tapped at the QR-enabled Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) entry gates in the Metro stations. The Near-Field Communication (NFC) enables short range communication between two electronic devices. It works like other wireless signals based on the principle of sending information over radio waves. The technology used in NFC is based on older RFID (Radio-frequency identification) ideas, which used electromagnetic induction in order to transmit information.

In this, chips can be embedded on mobile phones, smart watches, or even rings and pendants, which would be read by the terminal at the Metro rail entry gate, where the access is now controlled using tokens and travel cards.

All stations in Phase 1 of Chennai Metro Rail have been awarded the prestigious IGBC platinum rating, after 14 underground stations were conferred the rating at an event on Monday. CN Raghavendran, chairman of IGBC’s Chennai chapter handed over the plaques and certificates to CMRL managing director Pankaj Kumar Bansal at the event. The stations that have been awarded are Washermenpet, Mannadi, High Court, Central, Government Estate, LIC, Thousand Lights, AG-DMS, Teynampet, Nandanam, Saidapet, Pachaiyappa’s College, Kilpauk and Nehru Park. Previously, 13 elevated and five underground stations were awarded the rating. CMRL Administrative Depot is also LEED-NC 2009 gold certified building since last May. The rating was awarded for employing rainwater harvesting, harnessing solar energy, universal access to physically challenged commuters, and the last-mile connectivity through Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) options.