Despite its high popularity with commuters, the coupon system for suburban railway tickets will be phased out by March 2013, as the railway board wants to promote the card operated Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVM) instead.
The board had already decided to end the system by March 2012, but revoked the decision following an appeal from railway authorities in the city. However, the deadline to phase out these coupons will not be extended after March 2013. “Passengers should now keep in mind that coupons will be phased out gradually and should learn to use the ATVMs. After all, Mumbaikars are used to plastic money,” said a senior railway officer.
Railway authorities said the board had given them directives to ensure proper functioning of ATVMs and asked that their number be increased. “We have installed 75 new machines and are in the process of procuring 350 more,” said a senior railway officer of Central Railway.
“The decision to stop the coupon system is bad, as only the educated can operate the ATVMs,” said Madhu Kotian, president, Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh.