Kochi Metro Introduces WhatsApp-Based Ticketing for Seamless Commuting Experience

In a move to enhance the convenience of commuters, Kochi Metro has introduced a WhatsApp-based ticketing facility, allowing passengers to book digital tickets effortlessly. The new service is effective from Wednesday, enabling users to send a message to KMRL's WhatsApp number to secure their digital tickets.

Passengers opting for this digital ticketing option will enjoy a 10% discount during normal hours and an impressive 50% discount during non-peak hours (5.45 am to 7 am and 10 pm to 11 pm), as stated in a KMRL announcement.

This initiative aims to encourage digital ticketing, reduce reliance on paper tickets, and eliminate the need for queuing at ticket counters, contributing to a more efficient and streamlined commuting experience.

KMRL, in collaboration with ticketing partner Axis Bank, is also exploring the integration of the Kochi-1 card for seamless commuting across various modes of transportation, including buses, feeder buses, feeder autorickshaws, Kochi Metro, and Water Metro.

Looking ahead to 2024, KMRL is focused on achieving an average ridership of one lakh per day on Kochi Metro. Plans include introducing interoperable tickets for both Metro and Water Metro, along with additional commuter-friendly schemes to boost ridership.

Highlighting the progress made in 2023, KMRL reported positive growth in fare box and non-fare box revenue, ridership, and other key metrics. Over 10 crore people have utilized Kochi Metro since its inception, with 3.11 crore people traveling in 2023 alone.

In 2023, Kochi Metro operated 86,845 trips, generating ₹96.08 crore as fare box income. The average monthly ridership reached 25,97,423, and on 40 days last year, the per-day ridership exceeded one lakh, showcasing the system's growing popularity and efficiency.