A pre-paid smart card that can be used on ferries, government buses and trams was launched on Friday.

The card can be swiped or held against devices installed at ferry ghats, buses and trams to pay fares.

Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari launched the card while inaugurating three turnstile gates at the Millennium Park jetty. The gates have devices against which a pre-paid card has to be held.

Similar gates have been installed at the Fairlie Place and Howrah jetties.

Each of the jetties, armed with head-counting scanners, has been set up at a cost of Rs 2.76 crore.

“We are starting the smart card service for passengers travelling on ferries. The card can also be used on state buses and trams,” Adhikari said.

“The idea is to prevent revenue leakage across all modes of transportation. The system will soon be introduced at other jetties along the Hooghly.”

A passenger has to buy the card for Rs 50 and keep topping it up. The minimum top-up amount has been set at Rs 200. A card will remain valid for four years.

Officials hope the installation of the smart gates at the three jetties would prevent a revenue loss of around Rs 50 lakh a year.