The report is a knowledge product developed under the Promotion of Transformation to Sustainable and Climate-friendly E-mobility initiative of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It highlights Surat’s journey towards creating a seamless and unified fare payment system across its growing public transport system.
India’s National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), launched in 2019, aims to unify fare payment across the country. While promising, NCMC implementation remains inconsistent across cities. The Surat Money Card was launched in 2018 as a city-led initiative enabling fare payments across BRTS and city buses. While the card has seen steady adoption, it is limited by its closed-loop structure, Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, and interoperability constraints.
The report evaluates global best practices from cities like Hong Kong and London. Hong Kong’s Octopus Card and London’s Oyster and contactless payment systems demonstrate how collaboration between transport agencies and adoption of flexible, technology-driven fare solutions can significantly enhance user experience, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.
A stakeholder workshop in Surat reaffirmed the need for transitioning to an open-loop ticketing model that supports a range of payment instruments and transport modes. Recommendations include reducing KYC friction, expanding card acceptance, promoting inclusivity, ensuring system interoperability, and leveraging data analytics for better planning.
By moving towards an integrated, open-loop fare system, Surat can offer a convenient, efficient, and inclusive public transport experience, aligning with national smart mobility goals and supporting sustainable urban growth.
