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Commuters in Bengaluru will soon have the convenience of booking Namma Metro tickets through various third-party mobility apps. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is integrating its services with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This initiative aims to simplify travel and enhance the overall commuting experience.
According to BMRCL officials, apps such as Tummoc and Rapido, along with other platforms linked to ONDC, will soon facilitate metro ticket bookings. This integration promises a seamless travel solution by allowing users to plan their entire journey—from hiring an auto or cab to purchasing BMTC bus passes and metro tickets—all through a single app.
Enhancing Urban Mobility
An official explained, "Our goal is to offer a smooth experience for commuters. The ONDC platform already works with over ten mobility apps, giving users flexibility and convenience. They can choose any app that suits them without switching between multiple platforms." This digital initiative is part of a broader effort to improve urban mobility by promoting public transport and enhancing first- and last-mile connectivity.
The integration is expected to reduce wait times and encourage more people to opt for public transport for their daily commutes. To implement this change, BMRCL has partnered with a private tech provider. This collaboration is in addition to existing partnerships with platforms like WhatsApp, which has been offering QR-code-based metro tickets since November 2022, though limited to metro travel alone.
Existing Collaborations
Currently, the WhatsApp service does not include bus or auto bookings. Besides ONDC integration, BMRCL already collaborates with Paytm for QR ticketing and Amazon Pay for Namma Metro smart card top-ups. Users can also access these services via the official Namma Metro app.
The new system is anticipated to go live soon, with BMRCL focusing on a timely rollout and smooth functionality to meet the growing demand for integrated urban travel solutions. This move aligns with efforts to promote public transport usage in Bengaluru.
