Soon, buying train tickets using debit cards may be reality

Following the slow response via smart cards in Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), the Railway Board is planning to make provisions for allowing debit and credit cards to buy local train tickets. The move is aimed at increasing flexibility of buying rail tickets.

On the Central Railway line, around 25 per cent sale of tickets are through the ATVM and while it corresponds to 18 per cent on the Western Railway line.

"We are working on accommodating the debit and credit cards in ATVMs. Once the tests are successful, it can be replicated," said an official from the Railway Board.

A circular has also been issued internally which states that the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) will explore the possibility of introducing the proposed facility.

Sources in the railways have said that digital transactions have augmented since demonetisation was put to effect and people would welcome the move of introducing debit/credit cards in ATVM machines.

Meanwhile, new ATVM machines have already been introduced on the Central Railway lines and the same will soon be done on the Western Railway lines. If any changes are made in the system, then it can be incorporated in it too. The CR authorities have got over 40 new sleeker red-silver coloured ATVMs that is a part of the total 375 ATVMs operational on the suburban section.

The existing ATVMs are either undergoing renovation or they are shut in most railway stations. The rail authorities have also appointed retired rail employees to operate the ATVMs using their card.

Additionally, the Railway Board wants the zonal railways to educate commuters about the method of using ATVMs through video demonstrations.

AUTO TICKETS

• Around 25 per cent sale of tickets are through the ATVMs on the Central Railway 
   
• On the Western Railway, around 25 per cent tickets are sold through ATVMs
   
• Sources in the railways have affirmed that digital transactions have augmented since demonetisation was put to effect