The Mumbai Metro One, which is operating MRTS services between Ghatkopar and Versova introduced Paper QR (quick response) tickets from today (January 16) onwards. This move will help in achieving the goal of discontinuing the use of plastic tokens.
According to Metro One, every day about 1.80 lakh plastic tokens are issued as tickets to commuters. Each plastic token is of three grams, therefore by introducing paper tickets about 500 kg of plastic will be disposed off the system, eventually helping in curbing plastic pollution.
To ensure smooth and easy ticketing system, at least one machine issuing Paper QR tickets will be made available at all 12 stations of Metro One. And since Ghatkopar and Andheri see higher footfall there will be three machines each. A total of 25 machines will be made available in the initial stage.
Additionally, the Paper QR tickets will enable issuing the tickets two times faster, claims the Metro One. The Metro One spokesperson said, “We are happy to be the first public transport system in Mumbai to launch Paper QR Ticket which enables ticketing transactions which are two times faster. We also endeavour to reduce the use of plastics and this is another step in line with our green initiatives.”
The introduction of Paper QR tickets will be carried out gradually and by March-end the operator aims to completely discontinue the usage of plastic made token tickets.
The operators will also be trying out the monetisation aspect by printing advertisements on the empty space of the tickets. Once the Paper QR tickets are used extensively, based on its result, the interested advertisers will be called and whoever quotes the highest price will be given the space for advertisement.
Currently, Metro One makes approximately Rs 40 crore non-fare revenue annually, which includes station branding, renting out retail outlets, brand promotions, etc. Moreover, the non-fare box revenue increases every year.