The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has taken a shocking decision regarding metro tickets. The authorities have decided to scrap all ticket vending machines across 41 metro stations in Chennai. Following this decision, busy hubs like Chennai Central, the Airport, and the Alandur interchange are expected to receive long queues during peak hours. Read for more details.
Chennai Metro To Soon Remove Ticket Vending Machines
Across Chennai, there are 41 metro stations, and CMRL has announced that it will scrap ticket vending machines from all these stations. This decision was influenced by the discontinuation of tokens and smartcards, which Chennai Metro Rail Limited phased out earlier this year. Ticket vending machines were mainly used for recharging smartcards and giving tickets. After removing smartcards, they were no longer in use, and thus, authorities decided to remove them, reported The Daily Jagran.
With this decision, there are high chances of long waiting queues, especially at the busiest metro stations. On the other hand, the authorities are encouraging metro travellers to book tickets online via the website and app. However, not everyone is comfortable booking tickets online. Thus, many still prefer single-ride paper tickets from counters. Yes, some people still buy tickets from vending machines, but once they are removed, commuters will have to wait in long lines at the counters.
Ticket Vending Machine Problems
It’s not that ticket vending machines didn’t have their own setbacks. Like, instead of UPI or online payments, these machines only accepted cash payments. So, travellers always have to carry cash with them, according to The Daily Jagran. Moreover, due to frequent jamming, these machines often don’t work. They also failed to accept all note denominations, leaving commuters frustrated.
So, after these machines are removed, CMRL has high expectations for online ticket booking. Options like QR code-based tickets, mobile apps, and other online methods are already provided. The success of this decision will depend on how people adapt to the digital system. The removal of ticket vending machines may cause temporary inconvenience, but Chennai people will still have the option to book their tickets online, which doesn’t require them to carry cash every time.
How do you think this decision will impact Chennai metro travellers? Let us know in the comments below!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Arjun1001