Mr P S Jayakumar, Country Business Manager, Citi India said the "2-in-1" transit card combines the benefits of the Metro smart card with the advantages of a credit card.
It is the first of its kind of credit card in India that doubles up as a contact –less access card for Delhi Metro stations, allowing users 'tap and go entry', along with the advantages of a Citibank credit card, and is available to customers from today.
Earlier in 2006, Citibank had conducted trials of the “tap-and-go” or contact less payment at select New York City subway stations, in association with MTA and MasterCard. Following the trials, the service was rolled out at the New York subway MTA. However, the DMRC co-brand card is associated with Visa.
In addition to convenience, the card will also offer several benefits, including exclusive shopping deals and discounts in Delhi and the national capital region (NCR), fuel surcharge waivers at Indian Oil outlets and other privileges associated with a Citibank Credit Card.
The card is unique in several other ways. It is a "Delhi Delights" offering unique deals from some of the biggest brands in Delhi, including Dominos, Fun Cinemas, Nirula's, Bercos, India Today and VLCC. The card also carries reward points. Reward points accumulated on this card can be redeemed for free Metro rides, at the Citibank point-of-sale terminals, which are presently installed at Rajeev Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Barakhamba, Pitampura, Rajouri Garden and Dwarka Mor Metro Stations. These are scheduled to soon spread across other stations as well. Additionally, the card offers double reward points for Metro spending, and will not require the mandatory security deposit of Rs50.
"Citi has successfully launched similar products in New York and Singapore, both of which have been extremely well received. We expect to launch similar products in more countries in the next few months," said Surath Chatterjee, regional head of card products, Citi Asia Pacific
DMRC's director for operations Raj Kumar says, "DMRC is always looking to improve the transit customer's experience. We believe this product is the next step in providing our travelers unmatched convenience and reduced waiting times by combining an efficient payment mechanism with the Metro experience." He further added, "We are in talks with the Delhi Government to extend the reach of the card to city buses." He said discussions are at a preliminary stage and if the proposal gets approved, the same card could be used for traveling by buses.
On the customer attainment through the agreement, P. S. Jayakumar country business manager, global consumer group, Citi India said about two lakh Metro commuters can become card users. He said Citigroup is having about 36 lakh credit card users in the country.
Mr Jayakumar, country business manager, global consumer group, Citi India said, "As the Metro extends its operations further into Delhi and NCR, and with the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in 2010, the Delhi Metro Citibank credit card will fulfill the need of a world-class product for hassle free travel and shopping."
The Special Privileges on the Delhi Metro Citibank Credit Card:
- 10 per cent discount on travel fare paid with the '2-in-1' card
- 2 reward points for every Rs100 spent on the Metro, 1 reward point for every Rs100 spent elsewhere
- Facility for converting all reward points into Metro Points for free Metro rides (at the POS terminal itself)
- Associated with Visa international, accepted at over 14 million merchant outlets worldwide
- 2.5 per cent surcharge waiver on IOC petrol pumps
- Five free lifetime add-on cards
- The ''Delhi Delights'' offers from the best brands of Delhi
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