Local train ticket app: Chaos reigns on Day One

Commuters were eager to reuse the app and avoid long queues at booking counters. Representation pic

So who exactly is allowed to buy a Mumbai local train ticket online? With the UTS app limited to the doubly vaccinated with additional safety layers, and linked to the Maharashtra government's database of Universal Ticketing app, there was utter confusion. Queries were plenty and many struggled to use it on Day 1.

The process includes updating the UTS app first and then selecting the stations. Once that is done, the app seeks Cowin beneficiary ID after one enters one's mobile phone number. The process has to be repeated every time one buys a ticket, which some commuters felt is the biggest problem.

"The app asks one to link it with the ID every time while booking a ticket. They should enable it once and for all after the Cowin beneficiary ID is registered on the profile," said a commuter, Saurabh Patkti. Another commuter Vikas Tiwari agreed, "They should have saved the beneficiary account after the first login. They should not ask for it every time a ticket is to be booked."

‘Can't book for specific person'

"Also, another issue is that when we give a number registered under Cowin, which has multiple people (eg a family) registered under it, the app doesn't give an option to choose for which beneficiary the ticket is to be booked. By default it chooses a name and there is no option to change it," another commuter said. "Not very helpful. Only one ticket (self) can be booked. I want to book for my wife too who is fully vaccinated," another commuter, Ignatius Vaz, said.

A step-by-step guide to using the updated UTS app

However, another commuter, Annkith Savla, sharing his experience, pointed out a lacunae in the app. "If the Universal Pass ID is generated and even if the person has not completed 14 days after the second vaccination, the UTS app still allows booking of tickets. Also, I booked for my parents. I got an OTP on a mobile number registered for the vaccines and proceeded with booking."Yet another commuter, Mitansh Parekh, lamented, "I have taken a vaccine abroad and there is no way for me to book an online ticket for a Mumbai local train." Many others complained that they did not find their old season ticket stored in the app and wanted to know how to retrieve it.

Also Read: Mumbai platform ticket prices reduced, reverted to Rs 10

One happy commuter

But one commuter, Vijay Ved, was a happy man. "My '125 was stuck in UTS app for 2 years and I got them back. They already credited '105/- against '100 so I got my money back with interest. I can say the app is updated and working well," he said. He got R205. The R5 addition is a promotional rebate given by railways for using the app. Railway officials said that all the feedback on the various issues faced was welcome. "The app is under continuous process of being updated and the problems, lacunae and bugs will be fixed as it is being worked on further," a railway spokesperson said.

FAQs/ Who is allowed and who is not

What about those who can't get vaccinated like those under 18 or some with comorbidities or illnesses advised against jabs, etc. Can they book tickets online?
No. They need to physically visit the ticket booking counter and get tickets after proper verification.

What about those who are registered abroad and are fully vaccinated? Can they get tickets online?
No. As of now only Maharashtra government's universal ticketing database has been linked.

I am fully vaccinated, and 14-days have lapsed. Can I link my Cowin certificate and get a ticket online?
No, getting registered on the Maharashtra government's Universal Ticketing app is mandatory. It is with that database that the UTS app has been linked. Maharashtra government's Universal Ticketing app is here: https://epassmsdma.mahait.org/login.htm Passengers who already have the UTS mobile app will have to update it for activation of the new facility.

Will I get season tickets, renewals, and other tickets?
Through this app, both Journey and Season ticket can be issued, and renewal of season ticket is also possible.

Day 1 ticket app stats

WR till 5pm
Journey ticket: 2,807
Season ticket: 972

CR till 6pm
Journey ticket: 3,509
Season ticket: 1,034

Also Read: Avoid the crowds, book your local train ticket online