Rapido Collaborates With ONDC for Seamless CMRL Metro Ticket Bookings
– Rapido has partnered with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to allow customers in Chennai to book metro tickets via the mobile app
– A surge of at least 15 percent in metro ticket purchases via the Rapido app is expected because of its established customer base and user-friendly interface
– Currently, Rapido’s metro ticket booking feature is exclusively accessible on Android, with the iOS version set to be released shortly
Rapido, India’s leading commute app, collaborated with the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform for seamless booking of CMRL Metro Tickets.This strategic collaboration makes Rapido a viable solution for addressing daily commute needs by taking a comprehensive approach to enhance daily commute needs, seamlessly connecting users with metro services.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) experienced an impressive daily average of 2.66 lakh passengers, totaling a remarkable 9.11 crore passengers on Chennai Metro Trains in 2023. In response to the rising demand for affordable and seamless transportation, Rapido now offers a comprehensive commute planning feature. This includes the integration of various transportation modes, such as bike taxis, cabs, and autos, alongside hassle-free metro ticket bookings, all within the user-friendly interface of the Rapido app. Anticipating a substantial impact, Rapido foresees a minimum 15% increase in metro ticket purchases through its app, capitalizing on its established customer base. While metro ticket booking is currently available for Android users, the iOS version is underway and is expected to be introduced shortly.
Aravind Sanka, Co-Founder of Rapido, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with ONDC marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide holistic commuting solutions. Introducing metro ticket bookings on the Rapido app aims to streamline the daily commute for millions of Chennai residents, offering them a seamless and affordable travel experience. The collaboration between Rapido and ONDC aligns with the vision of making transportation more accessible and also contributes to the larger narrative of a digitally empowered India. Rapido has expanded its horizons into multi-modal logistics, offering users the capability to book end-to-end commutes on the Rapido platform.”
Thiur M.A. Siddique, I.A.S, Managing Director of Chennai Metro Rail Limited, commented, “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.”
T Koshy, MD & Chief Executive Officer, ONDC said, ““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.”
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an initiative by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), serves as the backbone of this collaboration. ONDC aims to foster open networks for the exchange of goods and services over digital or electronic platforms. Currently boasting a network of 2.3 lakh+ sellers and service providers active in 600+ cities and towns across the country, ONDC has successfully created an inclusive platform that connects buyers and sellers regardless of their size or geographical location.
