Bengaluru: Namma Metro App launch delay irks travellers

BENGALURU: With BMRCL allowing only smartcard users to travel, many complained about lack of top-up options. The fact that BMRCL’s ‘Namma Metro’ mobile app did not take off on Monday as promised was also a peeve.
BMRCL had planned to allow passengers to recharge through the app. At present, passengers can only recharge smartcards at webtopup.bmrc.co.in. The other option is to scan the QR-code and pay at station counters, but it takes time and could lead to crowding.Ticketing vending machines were are also dysfunctional on Monday.
“Top-up can be done online or using the app an hour before coming to a station. The app should be available on the Android play store in a few days,” said BMRCL managing director Ajay Seth.
However, many passengers were unhappy. “BMRCL is promoting smartcard use when it still doesn’t have any online recharge option through Paytm or GooglePay. Even street vendors in the city are using UPI apps, then why can’t Namma Metro?” said a passenger.