FAQ

MECard

MECard Student

MECard | MECard Student

What is an MECard Student?

The MECard Student is a personalised (prepaid) electronic card that keeps a record of its stored monetary value. The MECard Student concerns full-time students and allows them to travel on Metro Express trains, either free of charge or at the student rate.

How much does it cost to buy an MECard Student?

The MECard Student costs Rs 100.

What is the benefit of having an MECard Student?
According to the law in Mauritius, a student travelling on public transport gets free travel between his/her residence and educational institution, on a school day. For any other journey, students need to pay the student fare. MECard Student holders benefit from the above policy when travelling with Metro Express.
When can I travel for free using my MECard Student?
Students can travel for free on the Metro Express with their MECard Student between their place of residence and their educational institution on school days. For any other journeys made on the Metro, other than the condition mentioned above and during the weekend and on school holidays, the student has to pay the applicable student fare.
How does MEL determine which stations the student can travel to and from free of charge?

MEL determines this based on the optimal route between the student’s place of residence and his/her school. The round trip between these two stations is free of charge only on the educational institution’s working days. The table below shows different scenarios:

Adresse résidentielle

Adresse de l’institution scolaire

Stations sous gratuité
(uniquement les jours ouvrés de l’institution)

Se situant sur l’alignement de Rose Hill à Port Louis Se situant sur l’alignement de Rose Hill à Port Louis

Station la plus proche du lieu de résidence

Station la plus proche de l’institution scolaire

Nord de Maurice Se situant sur l’alignement de Rose Hill à Port Louis Station de Port Louis Victoria –           Station la plus proche de l’institution scolaire
Est / Ouest de Maurice Se situant sur l’alignement de Rose Hill à Port Louis

Station de Rose Hill Central

Station la plus proche de l’institution scolaire

Quatre Bornes / Vacoas / Curepipe / Sud de Maurice Se situant sur l’alignement de Rose Hill à Port Louis

Station de Rose Hill Central

Station la plus proche de l’institution scolaire

Ne se situant pas sur l’alignement de Rose Hill à Port Louis Ne se situant pas sur l’alignement de Rose Hill à Port Louis La gratuité n’est pas applicable : le tarif étudiant s’applique.
How can I get an MECard Student?

Requests for an MECard Student must be made through the student’s school or institution, which will then contact the NLTA. The MECard Student costs Rs 100 and payment should be made to MEL.

Can I use my MECard Student outside of my institution’s working days?
Yes. Full-time students can use their MECard Student outside of the working days of their school, but will be required to pay the student rate for their fare.
Do I have to top-up my MECard Student?
Yes. A newly issued MECard Student has no credit value. If you wish to travel on the Metro Express outside of the working days of your institution, you must top-up your MECard Student with sufficient credit to pay the student rate for your fare.
How do I top-up my MECard Student?
This can be done at the electronic ticketing machines at all Metro Express stations or at the Ticket Office at Rose Hill Central Station. To top-up your card, you can use cash, or preferably your bank card which is more practical and takes just a few seconds.
I am a primary school student, do I pay the Child, or Student fare outside of free days / hours / zones?
Primary school students (under the age of 13) using an MECard Student pay the child fare outside of free days / hours / zones.
I am a University Student using an MECard Student, can I travel for free on Saturdays?
If your university’s official school calendar states that Saturday is a working day then you can travel for free on Saturdays between your place of residence and your university.
Do I need to change my MECard Student when changing levels or institutions, e.g. from primary to secondary or from secondary to university?
No. As long as you are still a full-time student when you move up a level or change institution, you do not need a new card. However, you must notify your institution who will contact MEL to make the necessary changes to your MECard Student data.
Can I let someone else use my MECard Student to travel on the Metro Express?
Non. La MECard Student est strictement personnelle et non-transférable. Si vous la passez à une autre personne, cela est considéré comme une offense selon le ‘Light Rail Fares and Light Rail Tickets Regulations 2019’ et entrainera des sanctions contre vous et l’utilisateur frauduleux.
Do I need to have both my Student ID Card and NTA Bus Pass with me when I use the Metro Express, even if I have an MECard Student?
Yes. These cards prove to Metro Express Inspectors that you are entitled to use an MECard Student.
How long is the MECard Student valid for?
The MECard Student is valid as long as the user is a full-time student.
Is my MECard Student still valid if I change residential address or institution?
Yes. Your card is still valid but you will have to inform your educational institution, who will need to contact MEL to make the necessary changes to your MECard Student data.
What should I do if my MECard Student does not work?
Do not try to travel with your card if it is faulty. You will need to go to the Ticket Office which is located on the ground floor of Rose Hill Central Station for assistance.
What should I do if I lose my MECard Student?
If your card is lost, you must inform your institution immediately. They will contact MEL to request a new MECard Student to be issued. Please note that it will cost you Rs 300 for the reissue of an MECard Student.
What if I forget to register (TAP-ON / TAP-OFF) my MECard Student before or after my journey on the Metro Express?
In this case, you lose the benefit of a free journey and you will be charged the full fare for your journey.