Kochi1 card holders to get discount on return tickets

KOCHI: Taking into account the public resentment over not providing the 50% discount offered on return journey tickets (RJT) to Kochi1 card holders, the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has decided to extend the benefit to card holders.
KMRL managing director A P M Mohammed Hanish said the discount would be “offered to card holders within two days”.
The Metro agency announced the promotional offer with an aim to attract more passengers to Kochi Metro.However, commuters who opted for Kochi1 card had to spend more for Metro rides. Commuters purchasing ticket from Aluva to Maharaja’s College will have to pay a fare of Rs 50, and as there is a discount of 50% they do not have to pay for the return journey if it is made on the same day. But, those using the Kochi1 card will have to pay Rs 80 for making a to and fro journey between Aluva and Maharaja’s College.
Making his first visit to the Muttom yard after assuming charge as KMRL managing director on Wednesday, Hanish said KMRL was reworking the parking fees charged at the parking slots adjacent to Metro stations.
There is severe criticism against the parking fees fixed by the Metro agency as it could discourage people from shifting to public transport system from private vehicles.
“I am hopeful that revised ticket fares coupled with the reworked parking fares will further increase ridership,” he said.
He held discussions with the officials regarding the smooth functioning of the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the Metro system. He also interacted with the O&M staff stationed at the Muttom depot after the inspection.
Regarding Kochi Water Metro Hanish said: “Within a time frame of four or five days we will take a decision regarding the propeller system for the boats that will be operated as part of Water Metro’s fleet.”
On Metro’s extension to Kakkanad, the KMRL managing director said he had convened a meeting to review the progress of the project.
He said decisions were taken to expedite the project implementation.
“We have almost completed environment impact assessment (EIA) studies. Once EIA is completed we will resume the process for land acquisition,” he said.
Addressing mediapersons, he expressed his appreciation of the good done by the O&M team. Senior KMRL officials, including Thiruman Archunan, director (projects), general manager (O&M), A R Rajendran, general manager (RS&E) and accompanied him.
The Metro agency will announce the schedule of Metro services during the ISL matches on Thursday.