Lucknow Metro has rolled out its QR-based ticketing system from today, allowing passengers to book tickets from home and travel using a digital or paper QR code instead of traditional tokens. The system was formally launched at Hazratganj Metro Station. These paper tickets are available both at ticket vending machines and at station counters.

Passengers can now book QR tickets through the official mobile application, available on Android and iOS. Tickets booked via the app are issued digitally and can be scanned directly from the passenger’s phone.

Paper QR tickets are available at designated Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) and ticket counters. Each metro station now has at least one QR-enabled TVM and one QR-supported ticket counter. Machines offering QR tickets are marked with special “QR Support” stickers for easy identification.

UPI payments are available at QR-enabled vending machines.

Passengers travelling with QR tickets must scan their code at the yellow-marked Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates. Scanning is compulsory at both entry and exit points.

While QR-supported machines have been installed across all stations, token-based travel through other existing machines will continue for the time being.

As per reports, the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) facility will soon be introduced in Lucknow under the ‘One Nation, One Card’ framework, enabling interoperability with metros in other cities where NCMC is operational.

For years, the small red plastic token symbolised metro travel in the city. However, the system came with its share of inconveniences. Lost tokens often resulted in cost ranging between ₹300 and ₹400, and the physical handling of tokens slowed entry during peak hours. Officials confirm that these tokens will be completely discontinued over the next six months.