The Federal Government on Thursday, launched the e-ticketing of the Nigeria Railway Corporations(NRC), as part of measures to check racketeering in the sector.
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who made the disclosure at virtual unveiling of the platform in Abuja, said the project is valued at N900million.
According to a statement by the Director, Press and Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe, the online launch was witnessed by members of the the Governing Board of NRC and the Director Rail Transport Service, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr M.T Babakobi, who represented the Permanent secretary.
Amaechi added that the concessionaire (SecureID) will provide, will manage the platform for 10 year in order to recoup its investment before reverting ownership to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
The minister, who described the project as another milestone for the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the government said, “today marks the beginning of the automation of ticket sales in all our major stations on the Abuja Kaduna train service. This is a total package that also includes access control which will be deployed subsequently.
“This project which is a Public-Private Partnership is a product of over three years of rigorous procurement process and due diligence involving the NRC, NITDA and finally obtaining approval from the Federal Executive Council.
“It is my believe that deploying the secured ticketing solution is in line with world best practice, and will enhance efficiency, save time and promote accountability while also reducing leakages and promoting economic growth.
“It is most suitable especially at this period of COVID-19 as it reduces physical interactions at the stations as passengers can buy their tickets at the comfort of their homes and offices through their phones.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Board, NRC, Ibrahim Alhassan Musa , said that the e- ticketing solution finally brings to an end the persistent allegation of ticket racketeering at the train Station.
The Chief Executive Officer, Secure ID Solutions, Kofo Akinkugbe, in her remarks observed that the launch heralds the nation’s entry into the new age of multi- model ticketing in public transportation while allowing for passengers convenience, efficiency and accountability for operators and provide data for government for better decision making.
Kofo further stated that the e- ticketing solution after a successful pilot program as of today has issued 25,000 tickets online and informed intending commuters on the Abuja – Kaduna rail corridor to assess the e – ticketing solution via web by visiting www.nrc.tps.ng, other avenues are: downloading the application from Google Play store or Apple Store, POS and Cash payments at the counter.
According to her, all solutions offer a increased customer experience such as convenient ticket purchase 24 hours a day, seat selection, secure online payments, no physical interaction amongst others.
