Delhi: DMRC plans to make all metro stations 'counterless'
Almost all Delhi metro stations will have token vending machines (TVM) soon, if DMRC's plan is successful. DMRC has already installed TVMs for all Phase III stations, barring those that have railway stations and/or bus terminals attached, and is planning the same for Phase I and II stations. In fact, 519 TVMs have already been installed in 118 stations and all are functional.
'First TVM installed in 2011, still people not comfortable using'
Though the first TVM was installed in Rajeev Chowk in 2011, people are still not confident about using the machines and so setting-up will take time, said DMRC's MD Mangu Singh. He added that customer care executives will be there at every station to guide those who would face difficulty in using TVM. "Ultimate plan is to move people towards TVMs," said Singh.
How do the commuters feel about the DMRC move
To use TVM, one has to select source and destination stations, after which one will be asked to pay. TVM accepts notes only in mint condition and that's a major problem, said commuters. Though many appreciated the move, others say it's inconvenient for senior citizens or people who aren't educated. At least one manual counter should be there at every station, many commuters suggested.
Stations selling under 5,000 tokens daily will be given TVMs
Installing TVMs will not just reduce workforce at stations, it will also encourage people to opt for smart cards, Singh said. He added that only those stations that sell fewer than 5,000 tokens daily will be given TVMs, but the system will be reviewed periodically.
