Chennai, February 2, 2024: The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is delighted to announce a groundbreaking development in the realm of public transportation by introducing Metro Rail services to its network. This marks a significant expansion in the mobility sector, as ONDC takes its first steps into the world of mass transit systems. The pioneering initiative commences with the Chennai Metro, making it the first metro service in India to be integrated into the ONDC Network.
Starting from February 2nd, passengers can effortlessly purchase single journey and return journey tickets for the Chennai Metro through ONDC Network’s buyer apps, including Rapido, Namma Yatri, and redBus. Soon, this convenience will extend to Google Maps and PhonePe as well, further enhancing the options available to commuters. Additionally, the ONDC Buyer apps will be ready to offer Metro ticketing for any other metro service that joins the ONDC Network. The seamless ticketing experience on ONDC has been made possible through a partnership between the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) and Yaary, the first seller-side technology partner for metros on the ONDC Network.
The integration of metro services into the ONDC Network heralds a new era in digital mobility, promising uninterrupted access to public transportation in major cities. Following Chennai’s lead, the Kochi Metro, Kanpur Metro, Pune Metro, and other metro services are preparing to join the network, making urban transit more accessible and efficient for millions of commuters.
This innovative move not only simplifies the ticket purchasing process but also opens the doors to a holistic, multimodal transportation experience. With both metro and various other modes of transport available on the ONDC Network, users can seamlessly plan journeys combining different modes, such as First Mile (Auto), Middle Mile (Metro), and Last Mile (Auto), all within a single app. For instance, a daily commute could involve booking a bike, taking the metro, and concluding with an auto ride, all seamlessly integrated for passenger convenience.
Furthermore, the ONDC Network is designed to support innovative bundling, allowing passengers to schedule ancillary services like grocery shopping during their commute for added convenience. As the ONDC Network continues to grow, it eagerly anticipates welcoming more metro services and buyer apps, ensuring that the future of urban mobility remains inclusive, accessible, and innovative.
T. Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, expressed the significance of this milestone, stating,
“At ONDC, we believe in embracing innovation. As Chennai Metro joins the Open Network, it is not just a milestone but rather a bold stride towards revolutionizing mass transit. This isn’t merely about ticketing; it’s about unlocking the full spectrum of possibilities for commuters. From multimodal integration to a seamless blend of ancillary services, ONDC is all set to redefine mobility.”
Thiru M.A Siddique, MD of CMRL, highlighted the partnership’s impact, saying,
“By partnering with ONDC, CMRL is now completely opening up access to its ticketing application service, allowing a wide range of app developers to integrate their apps with the CMRL ticketing system. Surely, other metro rail companies, metropolitan transport companies, and paratransit operators would soon connect to the open network. We look forward to fostering innovation in integrated and multimodal transit solutions as more app developers join the open network, which presents immense value by obviating the need to develop separate interfaces with each transit system operator.”
Prakash Sangam, CEO of redBus, emphasized the advantages of this integration, stating,
“The integration with ONDC and Chennai Metro will go a long way in enhancing the overall experience of public transport for people in Chennai as well as travelers visiting the city. Together with ONDC and Chennai Metro, we will address the issue of first and last mile connectivity for intercity travelers to Chennai. It will also offer a major boost to digital metro ticketing within the city and aligns with our larger vision of providing easy-to-use mobility solutions.