While the CUMTA is coming out with the common digital ticketing mechanism, transport activists insist that a common fare denomination mechanism will be more attractive for commuters to use public transport. Sivasubramaniam Jayaraman of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) says digital transactions are the future and with the CUMTA having developed a common ticketing mechanism, fare integration is the way forward.

Transport activists point out that the fare structure for all modes of public transport is based on distance, with minor changes reflecting passenger amenities. Hence, a common fare mechanism should be put in place for the commuters to use public transport for longer-distance travel in different modes.

CUMTA Member-Secretary I. Jeyakumar says the first phase of the common ticketing project is the medium integration of Metro Rail, suburban trains, and MTC buses, and fare integration will be done in the final phase. He adds the future is not far ahead for commuters to travel hassle free by using the CUMTA’s integrated ticketing application.