For commuters on the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) services between Chennai Beach and Velachery, chances of encountering ticket checking staff are rare. Even if they do make an appearance, some ‘privileged commuters’ manage to get away without showing their tickets.
A ticket checker in Velachery railway station says a few commuters regularly occupy the first class coaches, claiming to be security personnel. They refuse to vacate the compartment when the ticket checking staff, belonging to the commercial department, conduct checks. One of them says: “They are dressed in civilian clothes, but when we ask them to show their tickets, they claim to be police and refuse to even flash their identity cards. As it is, seats in the first class compartments are limited. Commuters, who have valid season tickets, are forced to shift to second class compartments if the first class is full.
There are ticket checkers on important MRTS stations like Velachery, Tiruvanmiyur and Tirumailai. They complain that unlike other suburban sectors where Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel assist the ticket checking staff on the platforms, it is not so on MRTS.
Rising to the occasion
Chennai Metro Rail services helped several lakh people reach two ends of the city during floods. It was also active on social media, updating people about its timings and extension of services even late into the night.
When the city was flooded leading to a breakdown of communication and transport, Chennai Metro seemed to be the only option for those leaving the city to reach Koyambedu. It extended its services and functioned round the clock as thousands of passengers rushed to stations and it made sure the updates were available on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
This information was crucial because many commuters heading to Koyambedu wondered which modes of transport were operational.
People who followed the Metro Rail on Facebook and Twitter posted messages appreciating the service for sharing information. And, it’s not just during crisis situations. Chennai Metro Rail has been active on social media even otherwise, sharing information on completion of stretches and activities.
(Reporting by R. Srikanth and Sunitha Sekar)
