ICICI Bank, HPCL launch Go Mumbai smart card

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and ICICI Bank have joined hands to launch 'the Go Mumbai' smart card for bus commuters of BEST buses, thereby mitigating cash payments.

This new alternative method of paying bus fares will be effective from today on select routes. More applications will be introduced on the cards in a phased manner.

According to a press release, this project is on a pilot basis and, by the end of phase I, the system will cover about 760 buses by middle of 2005. From November 19, route special-8 plying from Churchgate to World Trade Centre will start accepting contact-less smart cards for automatic fare collection in BEST buses.

Commuters can flash or bring the card near the fare collection devices to be installed at the entry and exit doors of BEST buses. The new system is expected to reduce the load on overworked conductors and provide BEST greater flexibility in fare structuring in the future.

Moreover, commuters will not have inconvenience of having to deal with small notes and coins.

In a phased manner, a HPCL gas consumer will be able to book his LPG refill cylinder and pay for it through the card. "They can purchase fuel for their vehicle at HPCL retail outlets without any transaction fees and also use the card for all the above applications and for various loyalty programmes", the release added.