PhonePe, India’s leading digital payments platform today announced that it has partnered with West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) to provide a frictionless, contactless and safe payment option to commuters on the historic tramways of Kolkata. Commuters using the services of one of the world’s oldest operating tramways will now be able to pay their fare through the UPI based interoperable QR code without worrying about carrying cash or exact change for their fare.
PhonePe continues to focus on and solve the pressing need for contactless payments for public transport users, across the country. This partnership enables users to pay their commute fare in just a few taps on their smartphones while also making fare collections easier for the public transport corporations especially during peak hours. For heritage experiences like the trams of Kolkata – it helps draw in the tourists and citizens with a pleasurable experience allowing them to focus on the trip down memory lane.
25 trams in Kolkata are now digital payments enabled covering all of the 6 tram lines operational in the city with a daily ridership of 15000.
Speaking about the partnership, Vivek Lohcheb, Vice President – Offline Business Development, PhonePe said, “We are excited to have partnered with WBTC to enable contactless fare payments for tram commuters across Kolkata. This is a very special partnership for us, considering the legacy of one of the oldest public transport systems in the country. This solution allows our esteemed partner to accept payments from PhonePe or any UPI app, ensuring both commuters and partners don’t have to go through the hassle of dealing with cash. Tram rides after all are a ride through history for many and we are delighted with our role in helping enhance that experience for all.”
Shri Rajanvir Singh Kapur, IAS, Managing Director, WBTC, added “We have partnered with PhonePe to enable cashless mode of ticketing to commuters using trams. This initiative will ensure the safety of our passengers given the pandemic. It is a convenient way to pay for both our commuters and conductors. We strongly believe that it will give our citizens yet another reason to support and experience a ride in the iconic and 100+ year old tram system in our city”
All tram conductors have been assigned a unique QR code lanyard as part of this initiative. All a commuter has to do is to ask for the fare amount to their destination from the conductors, scan the QR code using any UPI enabled payment app, enter the amount and UPI PIN to make the payment directly from their bank accounts.
