Taking a hint from the angry responses of commuters, Southern Railway has decided to scrap the procedure of filling up of forms while applying for or renewing season tickets.
“We have stopped issuing the forms which we introduced in August. Commuters no longer need to provide their personal details and address while renewing their monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual season tickets,” officials of the commercial department of Southern Railway said.
The new arrangement is much simpler and commuters only have to produce a copy of an identity proof at the time of applying for a season ticket for the first time. The proof is returned and the commuter has to carry it along with the season ticket. There is no need to produce a photo ID proof while renewing the season ticket, a staff at one of the MRTS stations said. However, while applying for renewal at a station other than the one from where the original season ticket was bought, commuters need to show their photo to ticketing staff at the counter.
ADVERTISEMENT
Citing a court order, Southern Railway in August had made it mandatory for people applying for season tickets to fill up a form with the complete details of the commuter. Applicants also had to write the “purpose of their travel” and their full address, including their ‘taluk’ (revenue division), a process many commuters found difficult.
Applicants for season tickets were also asked to furnish a photocopy of a valid proof – Voters’ identity card, PAN card or driving licence among other documents.
“This time-consuming process was not only a waste of time, but we were unhappy with sharing our personal details,” P. Viswanathan, activist, said.
ADVERTISEMENT