Bengaluru’s Orbit Wallet card aims to get IT employees out of cars and onto public transport

A new prepaid RuPay-based mobility card launched in Electronics City aims to reduce private vehicle use among tech employees and boost Metro ridership on the upcoming Yellow Line.

In a major move to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable commuting, the Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA), in collaboration with the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and World Resources Institute (WRI) India, has launched the Orbit Wallet RuPay prepaid card for employees working in Bengaluru’s Electronics City industrial township.

The initiative is supported by the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) as part of the STAMP (Station Access and Mobility Program): Nudging Commuter Behaviour project. The goal is to use behavioural science and digital tools to encourage more IT professionals to switch from private vehicles to public transport options like Metro and buses.

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One card for metro, bus, and digital payments

The Orbit Wallet card, one of the winners of the STAMP Nudge Challenge, is National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-compliant, meaning users can use it across multiple transport systems and payment networks. The card functions both as a travel pass and a prepaid shopping card, enabling commuters to pay for Metro rides, BMTC bus fares (once integrated), and retail purchases under the RuPay network.

For now, the card is operational only on Metro services, as BMTC is in the process of upgrading its payment system to support NCMC-based transactions. Once implemented, commuters will be able to use the same card for seamless transfers between Metro and BMTC buses.

According to project officials, the Orbit Wallet aims to tackle Bengaluru’s long-standing traffic challenges, particularly in tech corridors like Electronics City, where private vehicle dependence remains high. By simplifying fare payments and promoting cashless travel, the initiative seeks to increase Metro ridership along the Yellow Line, which connects key employment hubs in southern Bengaluru.