As the usage of
Contactless Smart Cards by Delhi Metro Commuters is on the rise,
Delhi Metro is looking at innovative ways to smoothen the recharge
process.
Towards this, Delhi
Metro is procuring the latest AFC (Automatic Fare Collection) gates,
which will have the capacity of automatic top up of smart cards
through the bank accounts of card holders (electronic clearance
system (ECS).
The complete Press
Release can be read @
http://www.delhimetrorail.com/press_reldetails.aspx?id=GpDr4c0GlYklld
As per the proposed
process flow, for customers availing this facility, when the balance
of a smart card goes down to the pre defined value or the minimum
amount, the specific AFC gates will add pre defined amount into the
card automatically.
Later on, the deducted
amount will be collected from the card holder’s bank account by the
Metro fare collection system. I am not sure, what will happen if
there is no balance in the card holder's bank account at the time of
debit.
In addition to this,
DMRC is also developing a new technology through which Delhi Metro
commuters will be able to recharge their smart cards through various
options such as net banking, credit cards, debit cards. DMRC is also
procuring Add Value Machines for recharging the smart cards at the
stations through net banking, credit cards, debit cards.
'Add Value Machines',
can be said to reverse ATM's, which accept Cash and credit the
equivalent value to DMRC Contactless Cards.
Like all good things in
life, these new features are not instantly available, but will be
'live', within this calendar year I.e 2012.
Currently, tokens and
smart cards can be purchased or recharged only by paying cash at the
specified counters, machines or customer care centers at Metro
stations.
The Smart cards are
very popular in Delhi Metro as DMRC is providing 10% discount on
fares on use of the smart cards and many stations have dedicated exit
gates only for card users.
