The Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, has said that the Corporation has commenced online ticketing system for travellers from Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
He said among the routes where the digital service is to be deployed include the Warri-Itakpe Train Service routes.
Recall that, Okhiria had earlier during a symposium on railway safety, organized in June by Transport Day Magazine and partners, assured Nigerians that in less than five months, the e-Ticketing platform would kick off by November 1, 2023.
He noted that as civilization is extended to virtually every sector in the world, the tool of globalisation has found its productive space in the Nigeria Railway Corporation as the government agency in charge of railway services has decided to go digital.
According to him, the process of generating e-ticket is simple, but whoever that wants to use the digital ticket must have a National Identity Number (NIN), after thereafter log-in to see available coach types, select train based on departure time and class, select seat from seat map, proceed to pay and generate his or her ticket.
“The manual or analogue ticketing system is long outdated and definitely had its myriads of demerits and misadventures as both the Corporation and the train users had their stressful time with the old ticketing methodology,” the NRC boss stated.
According to him, the new electronic ticketing was first experimented on the Itakpe-Warri train services, adding that the online ticketing which now takes effect on all routes will enable passengers to buy their tickets online from their homes 48 hours before embarking on a journey, and avoid physical contact with NRC staff.
Okhiria said the new development was necessary because of the reports of misconduct perpetrated by some officials of the Corporation.
He recalled a report that NRC staff were caught on camera for ticket racketeering, saying that the new platform will eradicate such unwholesome practices, and ensure money paid for train ride goes to the right coffers.
“This novel innovation in the Corporation has undergone some practical tests which preclude its eventual launching.
“The good news now is that the Nigerian Railway Corporation has officially announced the launch of its highly anticipated electronic ticketing (e-ticketing) system on its standard gauge network,” he added.
Demonstrating the seriousness and commitment of the Corporation to the digital service, Okhiria, speaking in an interview session on Television Continental (TVC) last week Tuesday, stated that there were trial operation of the digital ticketing in some stations on October 25, 2023.
“The introduction of e-Ticketing platform marks a significant milestone in the annal of history of the Corporation, which will resultantly address 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.
“Furthermore, the importance of e-ticketing cannot be overemphasized as it will enhance the security of both passenger funds and investments. No doubt, the revenues generated through ticket sales would be directly paid into government coffers.
“E-ticketing has already been successfully tested and implemented by the railway corporation on the Abuja-Kaduna route. It is expected to commence on the Warri-Itakpe lines by November 1.
“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 NRC MD stated.
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