Patna: Passengers in Bihar may soon be able to travel on AC-deluxe buses, the Patna Metro and trains using a single card, as the state government begins preparations to introduce the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC).
The Transport Department has started the process for implementing the system, which is designed to allow passengers to use one card across multiple modes of public transport.
Transport department secretary Rajkumar has directed officials to prepare a proposal for introducing the NCMC at the earliest. The process of selecting a vendor for the system has also begun.
One card for multiple states
A key feature of the NCMC is its interoperability across public transport systems. A card issued in Bihar could also be used for public transport in other states where the system is operational.
This means a passenger travelling from Bihar to cities such as Delhi, Lucknow or Mumbai would not need to obtain separate metro cards or bus tickets, subject to acceptance of NCMC in the respective transport systems.
The card could also be used for toll payments.
RuPay-style tap-and-pay system
The NCMC will work like a RuPay card, allowing passengers to pay by tapping the card on designated machines.
The system is expected to reduce queues at ticket counters and make public transport payments more convenient. Passengers will also be able to recharge the card through UPI.
The NCMC system is already operational in several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
‘Where Is My Bus’ app in the works
The Transport Department is also preparing to develop a ‘Where Is My Bus’ app to provide passengers with live information on bus locations and estimated arrival times.
The proposed app will be modelled on the ‘Where Is My Train’ app and will enable live tracking of Bihar State Transport Corporation buses.
The department plans to integrate additional services, including e-ticketing, into the platform.
Live tracking to reduce waiting time
Passengers will be able to check a bus’s live location on their mobile phones, helping them better plan their journeys and avoid long waits at bus terminals.
The tracking facility could also help family members estimate when a passenger’s bus is likely to arrive, allowing them to reach terminals closer to the actual arrival time.
The department expects the system to reduce unnecessary crowding at bus terminals and save time for passengers as well as their families.
