MSRTC extends the smart card scheme until March 31, 2021

A few months back, the State Transport (ST) Corporation had decided to extend the smart card scheme until November 30, keeping the coronavirus pandemic in mind. However, the department has decided to offer further assistance and benefit to the commuters, and so the scheme is now being extended till March 31, 2021. Information regarding the same was shared by the Minister of Transport and President of ST Corporation, Adv. Anil Parab.

The Government of Maharashtra, through ST Corporation, offers concessional fares from 33 per cent to 100 per cent to nearly 27 different social groups. This scheme to issue smart cards was started in relation to Aadhaar number, whereby concerned beneficiaries were able to avail the benefit of this scheme in form of concessions. Accordingly, the process of issuing smart cards to senior citizens and others was implemented at every ST depot.

However, officials realised that due to the coronavirus pandemic, passengers were not able to visit the depot and get a smart card. Further, information regarding the same was also not available at all the depots, and hence, the department decided to extend the same until March 31. As per revised updates, the concession will now be applicable to the passengers where ST buses are operating as scheduled.

Coronavirus cases have been on a rise in the city of Mumbai and several areas across the state. Commuters in Mumbai have been facing a tough time as the local trains are not operating for the general public, due to which they have to rely on BEST and ST buses for their commute. While other services have resumed under the 'Mission Begin Again' initiative, the state government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is sceptical to start the local trains for the public, as the crowd in the same would add to the COVID-19 crisis, eventually leading to further spread and rise in the cases. 

As of now, Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has stated that the trains would not function for the public, at least for the next 3-4 weeks, and the state government has also extended the lockdown in containment zones until December 31, 2020.