Western Railway will introduce 12 new AC local services from February 19, replacing 11 non-AC trains. The move has sparked debate over fare differences, peak-hour timings, and reduced non-AC options, with commuters urging wider consultation before implementation
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The announcement that 12 AC local services will be introduced to the Western Railway (WR) has triggered debate among commuters regarding timings and fares. Many called for standardising fare slabs for air-conditioned (AC) trains and reducing the difference between AC and non-AC trains.
The WR recently announced that they would be introducing 12 more AC and three non-AC local train services from February 19. The Railways is introducing 12 AC Local services, of which 11 services will replace existing non-AC services, while one will be a new AC service.
One commuter said the timings of the new service trains are not beneficial to all. Many think it is a bad decision to replace non-AC with AC services. Adding new AC services without replacing existing AC services is a good decision. The non-AC traveller has now started feeling the heat of the reduction of their regular services.
The Railways need to weigh in all suggestions and if these are merits in the arguments or objections, sit across the table with representatives and come to a solution.
While travel must be made easier, fares have to be considered so that rail travel is accessible to all. There must also be scrutiny about timings of AC services. Ensure the new services are operated during peak hours so that the benefits can extend to a majority of persons. Commuters were questioning why certain AC services were not being run during certain hours. Maybe the Railways can look at that.
We should look into whether there can be both AC and non-AC compartments. While one is not stating that every suggestion or piece of advice may be practical or right, it is worth looking into for ease of travel.
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