Chennai Metro users face challenges with new mobility cards

Chennai Metro Rail users are facing challenges with the new National Common Mobility Card. As the metro is phasing out travel cards, many commuters have switched to this new card. However, they are reporting several issues using it. Commuters have noted long wait times at ticketing gates. A commuter remarked that exiting busy stations can take much longer compared to using travel cards. Other problems include a lack of machines for recharging cards at several stations and difficulties with payments. A dentist mentioned that passing through the ticketing gate after swiping the new card is slower. They suggested that the transition to the new card should have been smoother and that balances from old cards should be transferable. Users also expressed frustration over the acceptance of payment methods. At certain stations, staff do not accept credit cards for recharging the new card. Commuters have taken to social media to highlight these issues, calling for urgent action from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). In response, CMRL officials stated they are working to resolve these problems. They plan to acquire more machines for recharging and address other issues raised by commuters. Many believe that better infrastructure should have been in place before the new card was introduced.