Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has collaborated with Uber and ONDC to provide metro ticket booking directly within the Uber app. This development makes travel experience easy for the commuters as it enables them to plan their journey, buy QR metro tickets by UPI and provide access to real-time information. A strategic move with a passenger centric approach aims to simplify public transport access and enhance the commuter experience in Chennai.
Introduction:
In a bold initiative, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has joined forces with Uber and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to enable metro ticket bookings directly through the Uber app. This partnership aims to smoothen public transport access and improve the commuter experience in Chennai.
New Era of Transit Accessibility Through Uber App:
- Plan their metro journeys
- Purchase QR-based metro tickets
- Access real-time transit information
All of these features are now available within the Uber app with ONDC’s interoperable network. It connects third-party platforms like Uber with public transport systems like CMRL.
This integration is a significant move towards smart mobility solutions, making metro travel more accessible and digitally streamlined for urban commuters.
Launch Event and Dignitaries Present:
The service was officially launched on August 7, 2025, at MetroS, Nandanam, Anna Salai by Shri M.A. Siddique, I.A.S., Managing Director of CMRL.
The launch ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including:
- Shri Manoj Goyal, Director (Systems and Operations), CMRL
- Shri Gopinath Mallya, Chief Advisor (O&M), CMRL
- Shri Manoharan, Advisor (AFC & IT), CMRL
- Shri Manikandan Thangarathnam, Senior Director – Mobility & Platforms, Uber
- Shri Nitin Nair, Senior Vice President, ONDC
Senior officials from CMRL and Uber were also in attendance, underlining the significance of this multi-stakeholder initiative.
Limited-Time Promotional Offer to Boost Adoption:
To encourage adoption, Uber is offering a 50% discount on all Chennai Metro ticket purchases made through its app throughout August 2025.
Key details of the offer:
- Valid only through the Uber App
- Not applicable on other CMRL ticketing platforms
- Exclusively for QR-ticket purchases within Uber
This marketing initiative is aimed at driving more users towards digital ticketing and creating awareness of the integrated service.
Commitment to Digital Payments and Sustainability:
The partnership reinforces CMRL’s broader goals of:
- Encouraging UPI-based payments
- Reducing reliance on cash-based or paper ticketing
- Promoting digital sustainability and convenience
In addition to this initiative, CMRL continues to offer a 20% discount on digital store value passes and online QR tickets via its own CMRL Mobile App, except for single journey paper QR tickets bought at physical counters.
Conclusion:
This strategic partnership between CMRL, Uber, and ONDC is a step towards Chennai’s public transport development. By blending QR ticketing, digital payments, and real-time journey planning in one app, Chennai Metro showcases its commitment towards commuter convenience and supporting India’s smart mobility mission.
Source: CMRL – Press Release | Image Credit: CMRL
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