Mumbai local train: Is commuter vigilance during peak hours solution to combat ticketless travel?

Mumbai local trains, the lifeline of the city, are a sight to behold. However, during peak hours, the trains transform into overflowing compartments, a test of patience and resilience for the commuters as they attempt to board the train.

For someone who travels every day, witnessing people travelling on footboard even as the compartment struggles to hold more passengers is common. Amid this situation, one can overhear passengers, especially in first class compartments or the air-conditioned local trains, saying that half the people who have boarded the train are likely to not possess appropriate ticket for travel. Some can be heard complaining that the ticket checkers are nowhere to be found during peak hours.

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Dia Sharma', who travels to Churchgate from Mira Road, noted that she had witnessed passengers getting into arguments and often expressing their frustration by exclaiming, "Bina ticket ke chadh jate hai (Some passengers board the train without a ticket)".

"Passengers comment on one being ticketless traveller in crowded trains, especially when the people do not get a seat or space to stand comfortably," she noted.

Commuter ninjas?

While some commuters to an extent can be understanding of the reason why a person may be travelling ticketless, there are some who decide to confront travellers randomly and single them out; they demand from others to furnish their tickets.

When asked about whether they had witnessed such situation while travelling, Aarna N', a Mumbaikar who often travels across the Central and Western Railways' suburban lines, said she did see this unfolding in a ladies first class compartment.

Dubbing it as an elitist way of thinking, the media professional commented, "The asking for ticket happened at a time when the train was crowded. People make assumptions about others and whether they can afford to have a valid ticket or not based on one's appearance."

The issue, however, drives a wedge between those commuting in local trains as some condone the practice and some condemn it.

Elaborating on her stance, Sharvari B, another Mumbaikar who is in her 20s, said that it was not okay for the passengers to take matters into their own hands.

"Everyone, especially during peak hours, is rushing to get to their jobs on time. Most, unintentionally do not possess valid tickets and singling them out only adds to stress," she said.

While the media professional commented, "It is not a passenger's duty to check who is buying tickets and who is not. Demanding a show of tickets only leads to ego clashes and unnecessary fights."

Only authorities should be allowed to check tickets, she added.

Dia noted, "She also observed, "On the Western line, TCs are infrequently seen within AC local trains, perhaps twice or three times a week at most. Despite commuting in Mumbai locals for the past decade, I've never seen TCs in non-AC trains. This reoccurring issue is beyond the ability of ordinary passengers to fix, as depending on fellow passengers to check tickets might quickly escalate to conflicts and arguments. A more effective solution to this problem could be for TCs to verify tickets on a regular basis and impose fines."

However, another commuter, who is currently pursuing a Master's in Business Administration, commended the passengers, especially women commuters, who take on the ticket-checking duties amid the rush.

"I wholeheartedly support the initiative," she said, reasoning that it is already difficult to board locals during peak hours due to the rush, especially in the first class compartment which has a rather "limited" space and pay "double the amount" to travel with ease.

The student added that when some travel without a ticket, it does not seem fair to the ones who have shelled out more money from their pockets.

Do passengers have the authority to check tickets?

One question, while pondering over the issue, looms large--can passengers actually ask someone to show their tickets?

Speaking to mid-day, the representatives from Central and Western Railway that operate suburban local services, said that only railway ticket checking personnel can check tickets.

"Authority to check tickets is granted to railway ticket checking personnel under Section 54 of the Indian Railway Act. Unauthorised individuals are prohibited from conducting ticket checks on trains or railway premises. Violators may be subject to legal repercussions," said Swapnil Neela, CPRO of Central Railway.

Meanwhile, the CPRO of Western Railway, Sumit Thakur, said that they have received no such complaints and thus action has not been warranted in the required matter.

When asked the authorities about how they plan to address the complaints by commuters claiming inadequacy of ticket checking drives during peak hours, Thakur said, "Railways are conducting surprise fortress checks and intensive checks in running trains and stations to curb ticket less travelling during rush hours. As per requirement, more surprise checks will be planned accordingly."

Meanwhile, Neela said, "We're implementing thorough special checks during peak hours. When it's crowded and difficult to board the train, we do more targeted spot checks, particularly at stations, to ensure that everyone has a valid ticket. So far this year, through February, our division has collected fines totaling Rs 105 crores."

What Next?

The issue of ticketless travel has persisted despite efforts from Railway authorities to curb the practice. Random checks, introduction of online ticketing application--UTS, and etc are being implemented.

While their action is commendable, commuters say, it is not adequately addressing the greater problem: overcrowded infrastructure and a stretched system. The thought of fellow commuters acting as enforcers is not ideal. A long-term solution necessitates a multifaceted approach, they added.

Aarna, while speaking about it said, "I support random checks conducted by authorised personnel, as it will be better if the ticket checkers are not standing at the same place on the station premises. With the railway stations having multiple exits, those travelling regularly are aware of the spots where ticket checkers are often spotted and avoid those places."

She added that operating trains as per the schedule will also largely help. "Commuters get frustrated with delayed trains and it results in them getting into first class and AC trains without proper tickets. I believe getting trains to operate on time will help to a large extent," the Mumbaikar said.

Similarly, Dia suggested that the ticket checkers should also be present inside local trains and not just on bridges.

Meanwhile, Sharvari suggested the installation of ticket scanners at the entry of the railway station like the Mumbai metro has. She said it would be "fair to everyone".

Sagarika C, another commuter, added that ticket although the railways has made UTS application available, it is not hassle-free.

"Despite having UTS application for online booking, purchasing tickets is not easy. The UTS app has a lot of glitches and drawbacks like one cannot book tickets inside the railway station premises. The application needs to be more user-friendly."

Note: ' denotes name change