Date:12/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/12/stories/2008051259060300.htm

New Delhi

DMRC to change token colour

Staff Reporter

In a phased manner to counter increased rider-ship following expansion of the service

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is set for a change in colour with black tokens to be issued for single journey travel beginning Monday.

The DMRC plans to release over 2.5 lakh black tokens in a phased manner to counter increased rider-ship following the expansion of the service as part of the Phase-II of the metro project.

The first section of Phase-II to be opened would be the Shahdara-Dilshad Garden section by the end of the month.

In view of the expected increase of commuters, the DMRC has ordered an additional 14 lakh tokens for single journeys of which the 2.5 lakh released on Monday are the first instalment. Black tokens will aid in easy differentiation from the old batches of blue and red tokens already in circulation.

Initially imported from France at a cost of Rs.98 each, the tokens are now manufactured locally with indigenous technology at a cost of Rs.20.50 per token.

The over two lakh blue and red tokens that commuters have become familiar with will, however, continue to be valid. Smart cards for multiple journeys are also available up to the denomination of Rs.800.