MSRTC makes NCMC card mandatory for concessional bus fares for women and senior citizens

A key change has come into force today for women and senior citizens travelling at concessional fares on buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). From 1 October, the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) has been made mandatory for passengers availing the various fare concession schemes. Eligible beneficiaries will therefore have to register for the NCMC card and also get it activated.

The corporation says the decision will make concessional travel in ST buses more digital and easier. The aim is to make the process of giving concessions through the NCMC card more transparent and orderly.

MSRTC has introduced the NCMC card for senior citizens, Amrut Jyeshtha Nagarik card holders and women passengers availing the various fare concession schemes. From 1 October, these passengers will need the card to travel at concessional fares in ST buses. Registration and distribution of NCMC cards have already begun at many bus stations and ST depots in the state. Eligible passengers must therefore register and complete the card process.

For passengers who have registered for the NCMC card but do not yet have the card in hand, MSRTC has kept an alternative. Eligible passengers who show an active NCMC card or a registration receipt carrying a QR code will be able to get a concessional ticket.

Until the actual NCMC card is received, the registration receipt with the QR code will remain valid for 30 days. Once the QR code is scanned on the conductor's Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM), the passenger will get a concessional ticket. During these 30 days, however, passengers are expected to get their NCMC card activated and keep the required amount loaded on it.

For card registration, MSRTC has partnered with an authorised agency named E-Bix Technologies Limited. The agency is registering cards at the state's bus stations and designated centres. Eligible women and senior citizens can go to their nearest bus station or designated centre to register for the NCMC card.

Loading money on the card is also digital. The amount can be added by scanning the QR code printed on the back of the card with the BHIM App. This will reduce the need for passengers to carry cash separately or go through any other process.

Some eligible beneficiaries may face difficulty with biometric fingerprint verification on their identity documents. MSRTC has provided an option for them too. Those whose fingerprints cannot be verified can complete NCMC card registration through an OTP sent to the mobile number linked to their identity document. Even if biometrics fail, eligible women and senior citizens will thus be able to complete registration.

MSRTC has appealed to all eligible senior citizens and women passengers to complete NCMC card registration on time. Registration is necessary so that concessional travel continues without interruption and there is no trouble in getting tickets. The corporation's aim is that the NCMC system will allow the various ST concessions to be given digitally, making travel more transparent and easier. Eligible passengers should therefore get the card activated and keep the required amount loaded on it.