Nigerian Railway Company set to launch electronic ticketing from November 1

The new system's capacity to transfer ticket sales proceeds straight to the government's coffers is one of its main features.

October 29, 2023 Samson Ayodeji

On November 1, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) intends to introduce an electronic ticketing system for its standard gauge network. In a recent interview, NRC’s Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria, made this announcement. With the introduction of the e-ticketing system, Nigerian rail travel has advanced significantly in terms of modernization and efficiency.

It is anticipated that the platform’s last phase of testing has already been concluded since Wednesday, October 25. The e-ticketing system will first be available to a limited number of users for last-minute evaluations prior to its general deployment. The goal of this staged strategy is to guarantee a safe and seamless transfer to the new system.

The new system’s capacity to transfer ticket sales proceeds straight to the government’s coffers is one of its main features. This greatly lowers the possibility of corruption and revenue leakage, which is an essential first step toward enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of the railway system.

More about the introduction of e-ticketing

The Abuja-Kaduna line will be the first to use the e-ticketing system, which would solve the current issue of travelers having to physically visit train stations to purchase tickets. Travelers will find it convenient to purchase train tickets online from the comfort of their homes or offices at least 48 hours before to their scheduled departure thanks to e-ticketing.

By the end of November, the Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe-Warri lines are anticipated to follow suit with the successful deployment of e-ticketing on the Abuja-Kaduna route.

Along with revealing the new approach, Fidet Okhiria revealed that employees who were seen on camera collecting train fees in Ibadan on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge had been fired. This was in accordance with the disciplinary committee’s investigation’s recommendation. These steps, which operate as a warning to other employees, were done in compliance with the company’s established policies and procedures.

Okhiria also disclosed intentions to raise the train’s speed from the existing 40 km/h to 80 km/h on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge route. Due to the increased speed, he warned against engaging in activities like trade or playing on the railroad tracks and emphasized the significance of safety and following safety procedures.

The implementation of electronic ticketing is anticipated to minimize human intervention, optimize income acquisition, and restrict travelers’ exposure to employees who may try to influence ticket prices. After the initial restricted period, the online ticket system will be made available to the general public.

Plan for Modernization of Nigerian Railways

In general, train travel is growing in popularity in Nigeria, and the NRC’s implementation of e-ticketing is a big step toward improving the efficiency and convenience of rail travel for the people living there.

The most recent system is anticipated to offer several points of sale, including mobile devices, designated locations, and train stations, replicating the successful models from Bangladesh and India, however the operational details are still to come.

The NRC’s transition to electronic ticketing is in line with Nigeria’s expanding need for contemporary, easily accessible, and effective transportation choices. In an effort to encourage intra-city train operations and increase the accessibility of rail travel for a larger population, the NRC also intends to extend train services to a number of states.

Author

Samson Ayodeji

I am literally obsessed with technology. I love writing about the latest news in technology in different markets, segments and sectors across the world.

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