By Francis Ogwo
In a move towards eradication of fraudulent practises in the operation of ticket sales, the Federal Government has launched a N900 million e-ticketing solution at the Abuja-Kaduna train stations.
This was made public by the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, on Thursday at the virtual launch during which he disclosed that the online ticketing marks the beginning of automation of ticket sales in all major stations in Nigeria.
He said Abuja-Kaduna train service is in line with global world best practices and will enhance efficiency, save time and promote accountability while also reducing leakage and promoting economic growth.
Amaechi further stated that it is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) valued at N900 million of which the concessionaire – SecureID – will provide, then run it for 10 years to recoup its investment before reverting ownership to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Board (NRC) Ibrahim Alhassan Musa, had said that the e-ticketing solution finally brings to an end the persistent allegation of ticket racketeering at the train station.
In a statement made available to newsmen by Eric Ojiekwe, the Chief Executive Officer, Secure ID Solutions, Kofo Akinkugbe, in her remarks observed that the launch heralds the nation’s entry into the new age of multi-model ticketing in public transportation while allowing for passengers convenience, efficiency and accountability for operators and provide data for the government for better decision-making.
Speaking further, Kofo stated that the e-ticketing solution after a successful pilot program as of today has issued 25,000 tickets online and informed intending commuters on the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor to assess the e-ticketing solution via the web by visiting www.nrc.tps.ng.
Other avenues are downloading the application from Google Play Store or Apple Store, POS and cash payments at the counter.
According to her, all solutions offer an increased customer experience such as convenient ticket purchase 24 hours a day, seat selection, secure online payments, no physical interaction amongst others.
