TCs for AC local to soon get handheld devices for payment

Western Railway (WR) has begun testing handheld devices that shall be given to ticket checkers (TCs) travelling inside the AC local. Since January 22, the WR allowed commuters with First Class monthly passes and daily tickets to travel in the AC local, but only after paying the difference to these TCs. 

In the past two days, the TCs have sold 11 AC tickets and collected difference amount of Rs 9,240. Until now, since the AC local started plying from December 25, TCs have been levying fines on those travelling without valid tickets for the AC local. In the last two days, sources said more people are travelling in the AC local, with many of those carrying First Class passes ready to pay extra and travel with ease.

“The commuters have been asking the TCs to carry handheld devices that can be used to swipe debit or credit cards and collect the difference amount or even fines. We are testing these machines and these will soon would be provided to the TCs,” said a WR official. 

These machines will be similar to the ones used by BEST bus conductors. The daily first class commuters are barely 0.18 percent of the total 37 lakh commuters.  

‘The difference of fare between First Class Season ticket and AC Monthly Season ticket shall be collected for the entire month irrespective of days left in First Class monthly passes. The validity of the same shall be as per the validity of First Class monthly pass,” stated the circular.

Right now, there are six TCs travelling inside the 12-car AC train, which has gone up from earlier two TCs. Under Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3-A; 210 AC rakes worth Rs 17859 crore would be procured. The railways are studying the option of attaching three AC coaches in the regular 12-car train which would give option to commuters in a single rake.