Changes in the ticketing system of Mumbai railways over the year’s
The railways have been regularly, and progressively, doing their bit to improve the passenger amenities.
On the trains we have seen introduction of special compartments for the physically challenged. Similarly, 'ladies special' trains, which are operated during the peak hours, are a boon to the working ladies. However, the scheme of providing reserved seats for the Senior Citizens is not as successful as one would like it to be.
One of the biggest changes has come in the ticketing system. Commuters were earlier, often, faced with long serpentine queues for buying journey tickets, particularly on holidays.
The introduction of Coupons, which can be purchased in advance, and can be validated at Coupon Validation Machines (CVMs for short) has totally changed the scenario, for the better.
This scheme was first started by Western Railway, and the Central Railway has bettered it - at least with respect to the CVM.
The machines installed on Central Railway are of the interactive type, using which the passenger can conveniently find out the fare between any two stations.
Railways have done well to have a longer validity of the coupons. Earlier they would lapse on the 31st March of every year, while now they have been valid till 31st March 2005.
While the CVMs have helped the casual travelers, there is help for the season ticket holders too. Thanks to computerization, it is now possible to purchase, at a third station, a season ticket between other two stations.
For example, at Bandra, one can purchase a computerized season ticket between Andheri & Churchgate.
This has indeed given tremendous flexibility to the commuters, while, helping the railways to reduce pre-printed stationery.
Another innovative step taken to reduce the queues for getting the ticket is the smart card.
The railways have been regularly, and progressively, doing their bit to improve the passenger amenities.
On the trains we have seen introduction of special compartments for the physically challenged. Similarly, 'ladies special' trains, which are operated during the peak hours, are a boon to the working ladies. However, the scheme of providing reserved seats for the Senior Citizens is not as successful as one would like it to be.
One of the biggest changes has come in the ticketing system. Commuters were earlier, often, faced with long serpentine queues for buying journey tickets, particularly on holidays.
The introduction of Coupons, which can be purchased in advance, and can be validated at Coupon Validation Machines (CVMs for short) has totally changed the scenario, for the better.
This scheme was first started by Western Railway, and the Central Railway has bettered it - at least with respect to the CVM.
The machines installed on Central Railway are of the interactive type, using which the passenger can conveniently find out the fare between any two stations.
Railways have done well to have a longer validity of the coupons. Earlier they would lapse on the 31st March of every year, while now they have been valid till 31st March 2005.
While the CVMs have helped the casual travelers, there is help for the season ticket holders too. Thanks to computerization, it is now possible to purchase, at a third station, a season ticket between other two stations.
For example, at Bandra, one can purchase a computerized season ticket between Andheri & Churchgate.
This has indeed given tremendous flexibility to the commuters, while, helping the railways to reduce pre-printed stationery.
Another innovative step taken to reduce the queues for getting the ticket is the smart card.