Delhi Metro cards to be valid in 250 buses from today

From today onwards, use your Delhi Metro smart card to travel in select Delhi Transport Corporation and Cluster scheme buses.
 
The move is part of a month-long trial to shift to a 'Common Mobility Card' which could be used to travel in Metro, Delhi Transport Corp (DTC) buses and cluster buses in the capital. 
 
The 250 buses include 200 DTC buses and 50 cluster buses. Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said this project would be rolled out in all city buses by April 1. 
 
During the trial, by tapping the Metro card on an Electronic Ticketing Machine or ETM in a bus, a ticket would be generated, which would also reveal the  balance in the passenger's Metro card. 
 
Currently, ETMs are used by conductors in buses to issue tickets. 
 
The idea was first floated in 2010. The minister said it was delayed due to technical issues and lack of political will. 
 
The money deducted from commuters' Metro cards will go to Delhi Metro Rail Corp (DMRC), which currently issues the Metro cards. The money will be later transferred to the Delhi government, which has the RBI's permission. 
 
The Minister said that after the trial period, a new card would be designed which would have both DMRC and Delhi government etched on it. 
 
Commuters would be able to purchase and recharge these cards at all Metro stations, railway stations, airports, Inter State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) and DTC bus pass counters. 
 
The Minister said the government had been carrying out unofficial trial runs for the past two months to resolve different issues.