Bengaluru's public transport gets digital boost with ONDC integration for metro, bus ticketing

Indian Express

10-07-2025

After the integration of Bengaluru metro and bus services with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) on Thursday, commuters in the IT capital can now book QR-code-based tickets for metro and bus rides through multiple mobile apps.
The tickets can be bought on popular apps, such as Rapido, Namma Yatri, Tummoc, RedBus, EaseMyTrip, Highway Delite, OneTicket, and Yatri City Travel Guide, among others. Till now, metro tickets could be booked online only through the Namma Metro mobile app, Paytm, and WhatsApp chatbot.
While launching the new services, Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge described the move as a 'significant leap toward inclusive and interoperable mobility solutions.'
'This initiative not only makes public transport more accessible but also promotes the use of digital platforms for daily commuting. Bengaluru is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. To achieve our vision of 70 per cent public transport share by 2030, we need a combination of robust infrastructure, digital integration, and open data,' he added.
BMTC Managing Director Ramachandran R noted that the corporation is working towards adopting open-source data with real-time updates. 'On June 21, BMTC served over 46 lakh passengers in a single day. To manage this growing demand, we must embrace open, real-time data and develop commuter-friendly digital platforms,' he said.
He added, 'We are working on introducing both closed-loop and open-loop cards for our services. Plans are underway to roll out Smart Shakti Cards in the coming year, which will be compatible with RuPay, Mastercard, and Visa – allowing all major credit and debit cards to be used on our Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs).'
Ramachandran further stated, 'Additionally, we are looking to implement an Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) system integrated with an Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system. This is aimed at addressing the high operational costs and moving towards a conductor-less transit model within the city.'
M Maheshwar Rao, Managing Director, BMRCL, called the integration with ONDC a critical step for simplifying multimodal journeys. 'With auto and cab services already available on ONDC, the addition of metro ticketing creates a more unified travel ecosystem. Our aim is to ensure that commuters can book their entire trip – from doorstep to destination – seamlessly using a single app,' Rao said.
At the event, two mobility apps – Namma Yatri and Tummoc – also unveiled new features as part of the Enroute Challenge, an urban mobility innovation competition supported by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), WRI India, and Villgro. These apps now offer end-to-end trip planning across metro, bus, and auto-rickshaw services using open data provided by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC).
Through these apps, commuters can view live bus and metro schedules, receive trip recommendations, and book auto-rickshaws for first- and last-mile connectivity, all within a single interface. Both apps also provide real-time alerts and estimated trip costs.