Metro doubles smart card minimum add value

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) The minimum add value of Delhi Metro smart cards has been doubled to Rs.200. Delhi Metro said Sunday this will take effect from Wednesday.

According to Delhi Metro, a new smart card will cost Rs.150, including Rs.50 as refundable security deposit.

"Most smart card users are regular travellers... Increasing the minimum add value of the cards will help the commuters as they won't have to stand in queues to recharge their cards (again and again)," an official said.

About 12,000 smart cards are refunded every day by commuters who get back the security deposit. Also, around 30 percent of the cards are purchased and refunded the same month.

This has resulted in a pile up of nine lakh smart cards to be refurbished at a cost to DMRC.

"The new measures will help in streamlining the refund system," it added.

Metro travellers who use smart cards avail a discount of 10 percent on their journeys.