Sri Lanka Railways is planning to introduce a pre-paid electronic card in addition to the normal ticket system in place, to avoid delays, long queues and to provide a more efficient service to the public.
This means that users of commuter trains could pay their rail fares using a pre-paid card when such a system is in place. Authorities are engaged in a comprehensive study on the feasibility of introducing such a system, General Manager of Railways B A P Ariyaratne said.
While admitting that the present ticket system in place was an outdated one he said that as a policy his department fully recognised the importance of moving ahead with new technology to provide a more efficient service to the public.
moreHowever according to him a decision has not been taken as yet about when such a system is going to be introduced. "A decision regarding this would be taken after the ongoing study by officials is completed" he added.
According to other sources the pre-paid card system is to be first put into use at the Fort railway station. Depending on its success this mode of ticketing is eventually expected to be rolled out across the train station network in the country.
Courtesy - Daily News by Rasika SOMARATHNA
