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Faulty: Passengers say despite several attempts to buy tickets from ATVMs, they were unsuccessful because the machines don't function properly. PIC/Vedika Tripathi |
The problem has been reported at many stations, including major ones like CST, Churchgate, Dadar and Bandra. Angry commuters even damaged ATVMs at Matunga and Grant Road after several bad experiences.
Running on empty
Commuters blame the railway authorities for the mess, saying they do not fill the paper reel inside machine when it gets over.
"I wasted Rs 20 on trying to get tickets from the machine. The ATVM kept blinking, but I had no idea that it was an indication for low paper in the machine," said Bhushan Chavan, who attempted to buy tickets from the ATVM at Dadar.
The cursor of the machine also does not function properly. "It does not move easily on the 'ticket' and 'print' options. I had to wait for 10 minutes, as the cursor was not moving properly," he added.
Pankaj Mishra, another commuter from Dadar, said, "I tried to get a ticket from the ATVM thrice and there was a problem on all three occasions. What's the point in installing these machines, if they cannot provide proper service?"
Said an angry Rakesh Chandwani, "I lost around Rs 40 because the ATVM machine did not function properly. I made two attempts to get tickets from the machines, but was unsuccessful."
In defence
However, D K Singh, general manager of Centre For Railway Information Systems, defended the railways, saying, "The machines give three warnings â when there are 50, 25 and 5 tickets remaining. The authorities constantly keep feeding paper in the machine. But, I will tell the concerned people to look into these complaints," said. Spokespersons for the Central and Western Railway admitted their mistake and assured an immediate rectification of the problem.
