Railway Corporation embraces e-ticketing, begins service next week
The Nigerian Railway Corporation has officially announced the launch of its highly anticipated electronic ticketing (e-ticketing) system on its standard gauge network.
It is slated to commence next week, and this revelation was made during an interview at Television Continental (TVC) on Tuesday, October 25, by the Corporation’s Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria.
He elaborated that the final phase of testing for the platform is scheduled to conclude today, Wednesday, before it becomes accessible to a select group for last-minute assessments leading up to its public release.
The introduction of e-ticketing marks a significant step forward, addressing existing challenges where passengers were required to visit train stations for ticket purchases physically
With e-ticketing, travellers will be able to procure train tickets at least 48 hours before their planned departure, all from the comfort of their homes or offices.
Okhiria emphasized the importance of e-ticketing in enhancing security for both passenger funds and investments. He highlighted that the revenues generated through ticket sales would be directly funnelled into government coffers.
E-ticketing has already been successfully implemented by the railway corporation on the Abuja-Kaduna route. It is expected to roll out on the Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe-Warri lines by the end of the month.
In addition to the e-ticketing announcement, Okhiria disclosed the dismissal of a disciplinary committee that had been investigating staff members caught on camera collecting fares for train rides in Ibadan on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge. These actions were in line with the corporation’s established rules and regulations.
Furthermore, Okhiria revealed plans to increase the train speed on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge route from its current 40 kilometers per hour to 80 kilometers per hour.
He cautioned against any activities, such as trading or playing on the railway, on the train tracks due to the upgraded speed. The tracks are designed for a maximum speed of 150 kilometers per hour, and the corporation is determined not to operate below its installed capacity.
Okhiria stressed the importance of educating the public and ensuring adherence to safety protocols at train stations, including obeying level crossing lights and signalmen.
Regarding e-ticketing, Okhiria mentioned ongoing tests on the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge route and subsequent plans to extend it to the Itakpe-Warri line.
The adoption of e-ticketing is expected to reduce human interference, streamline revenue collection, and limit the exposure of passengers to staff attempting to manipulate fare rates.
The e-ticketing system is set to go live on Wednesday, although access will initially be restricted to a select group for final testing before being made available to the general public.
On the matter of the staff implicated in the viral video, Okhiria explained that four of them had admitted guilt and were found to have violated the corporation’s rule book by selling tickets on the train.
As a result, they will face summary dismissal as per the established rules, serving as a deterrent to other staff members. Seven additional employees implicated in the matter have been recommended for demotion and will be ineligible for promotion.
Addressing the “alleged stolen coaches in Borno,” Okhiria clarified that there is no truth to the story. The corporation is relocating coaches to maintenance yards for repair ahead of deployment to areas where they are needed. This aligns to provide mass transit trains to alleviate the challenges faced by Nigerians due to the removal of fuel subsidies by the government.
The corporation is working on expanding train services to various states, including Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, and Kwara. The intention is to promote intra-city train operations. Okhiria expressed optimism that Borno State would resolve the disagreements over the removal of coaches and introduce train services for its residents.
The corporation has devised an operational framework approved by its board, allowing states and individuals to purchase coaches and wagons on the national network. The corporation is eager to collaborate with entities interested in the terms of operations.
By keeping the nation’s tracks busy, the corporation aims to deter vandalism and contribute to Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a rail-friendly nation.
Businessday.ng
