Chennai Metro Takes Historic Step as the First Metro Services to Join ONDC

In a groundbreaking move, Chennai Metro passengers can now effortlessly purchase single journey and return journey tickets through buyer apps on the ONDC Network, including Rapido, Namma Yatri, and redBus, starting this Friday. The integration of Google Maps and PhonePe into the ONDC platform is also in the pipeline, offering customers additional choices and enhancing convenience.

ONDC Buyer apps will promptly provide metro ticketing services for any metro system integrated into the ONDC Network. This seamless ticketing experience is made possible through the collaboration between Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) and Yaary, the first seller-side technology partner for metros on the ONDC Network.

MA Siddique, Managing Director of Chennai Metro Rail Ltd, highlighted that this partnership with ONDC has opened up access to the CMRL ticketing application service, enabling a diverse range of app developers to integrate their applications with the CMRL ticketing system. He expressed optimism that other metro rail companies, metropolitan transport entities, and paratransit operators would soon join the open network, fostering innovation in integrated and multimodal transit solutions.

Siddique emphasized that the initiative simplifies the ticket purchasing process and sets the stage for a comprehensive, multimodal transportation experience. With both metro and various transport modes available on the ONDC Network, users can seamlessly combine different modes of transport, including First Mile (Auto), Middle Mile (Metro), and Last Mile (Auto). This approach allows commuters to book a bike, metro ride, and auto journey within a single app, providing a holistic travel solution.

T Koshy, MD and CEO of ONDC, described the inclusion of Chennai Metro in the Open Network as a bold stride towards revolutionizing mass transit. Beyond mere ticketing, ONDC aims to unlock the full spectrum of possibilities for commuters, from multimodal integration to a seamless blend of ancillary services, redefining the landscape of urban mobility.

HBL