Chennai: Over 50 percent of the automatic ticket vending machines installed by Southern Railway to decongest ticket counters in Chennai stations two years ago are either unused or not in operation at various suburban and MRTS stations between Chennai beach and Chengalpet section.
Of 150 machines installed in the past two years, only about 75-80 machines are operational now.
Deccan Chronicle visited five stations and found that the machines enjoy less patronage and fail to serve in decongesting crowded ticket counters.
"In stations such as Mambalam there is very less usage because most people here are not accustomed to using such machines. Moreover, they seem to have an aversion towards gadgets. Even the online ticketing app is being used by very few people," said a ticketing staff member at Egmore station.
Sixteen Cash/Smart Card Operated Ticketing Kiosk (COVTM) machines were installed three months ago at seven major stations in Chennai division.
"Season tickets are mostly bought by passengers who are traveling between two particular points, while the recharge cards are for those willing to travel to many points in the city over a long span of time. When you save at least 30 percent through season ticket, people prefer to buy that," said an official from the commercial department, Southern Railway.
In Mambalam, Egmore, Tambaram and Mount Station, on an average 15 people use COVTM kiosks, a ticketing official said.
When DC spoke to a few commuters between Mount station and Beach they felt that availing a monthly season ticket is more feasible and comfortable than recharging the card every other day.
"When we have an option of buying a season ticket every month, why should I keep on recharging the card every now and then. Also, through a season ticket I am saving nearly 40 percent even if I travel on a daily basis", said a regular commuter between Mambalam and Beach stations.
There are currently around 120 AVTM machines and 15 COVTM machines installed at stations under Chennai division.
