TheCable

The federal government has launched the N900 million e-ticketing platform for the online purchase of tickets at the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor.

During the virtual launch, Rotimi Amaechi, the minister of transportation, said the platform will solve commuters’ complaint of ticket racketeering.

According to him, the online ticketing which marks the beginning of automation of ticket sales in all major stations in Abuja-Kaduna train service is in line with global world best practices.

He said the platform would enhance efficiency, save time and promote accountability as well as reduce leakage and promote economic growth.

Amaechi said the platform was a public-private partnership (PPP), valued at N900 million, of which the concessionaire, Secure ID Solutions, would provide and manage for 10 years to recoup its investment before reverting ownership to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

Kofo Akinkugbe, chief executive officer of Secure ID Solutions, said the launch heralds the nation’s entry into the new age of multi-model ticketing in public transportation.

Akinkugbe said it would allow for passenger’s convenience, efficiency and accountability for operators, and provide data for the government for better decision making.

According to Akinkugbe the ticketing solution has so far issued 25,000 tickets after a successful pilot programme.

She urged intending commuters on the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor to assess the e-ticketing solution via the web by visiting www.nrc.tps.ng  or download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store in addition to making POS and cash payments at the train station counter.