Tokens, Old Fare Cards End on Orange Line and Metro Services
Passengers using Orange Line trains, Speedo buses and Metro Bus services face a major change in fare collection after the Mass Transit Authority announced the withdrawal of the existing token and card systems. The decision, reported on Sunday, moves commuters towards alternative digital payment methods across the affected public transport services.
Under the revised arrangement, travellers will be able to pay fares through T-Cash cards, a mobile application or ATM-enabled bank cards. The change is intended to replace the older system under which passengers relied on station-issued tokens or stored-value cards to enter and travel on the mass-transit network.
The authority has also instructed passengers to surrender their old transport cards at the relevant stations. However, any unused travel balance remaining on those cards will not be reimbursed, according to the official announcement, creating concern among commuters who had deposited money in advance for future journeys.
Mass Transit Authority in-charge Uzair Shah said passengers returning an old card would receive only the Rs130 security deposit associated with it. He advised all cardholders to submit their discontinued cards at designated stations and begin using one of the newly approved fare-payment options for subsequent travel.
The announcement has triggered complaints from passengers who say the transition was introduced without sufficient advance notice. Some commuters alleged that their old cards continued to be recharged even though the authority had decided to discontinue them, leaving users uncertain about whether recently deposited balances would remain usable or be lost.
Tokens and dedicated travel cards have traditionally provided a straightforward payment method for passengers who do not use banking applications or contactless cards. Replacing them with app-based and electronic options may reduce dependence on cash and simplify fare processing, but it also requires clear instructions, functioning equipment and assistance for travellers unfamiliar with digital payments.
The availability of several alternatives could make journeys more convenient for passengers already using mobile banking or ATM cards. It may also shorten queues at ticket counters and support faster entry at stations, provided that payment terminals, network connections and account-verification systems operate reliably during busy commuting hours.
At the same time, the decision may create difficulties for students, elderly passengers, low-income workers and others who lack compatible bank cards or smartphones. The refusal to refund unused balances could further affect regular commuters, particularly those who had recently topped up their cards without being informed that the system was about to be withdrawn.
The controversy places pressure on the Mass Transit Authority to clarify the cut-off date, stop further recharges of discontinued cards and explain how passengers can recover security deposits. Clear station notices, trained support staff and a transparent transition period will be important to prevent confusion as commuters shift to T-Cash, mobile applications and bank-card payments.