ATMs complicate Metro commutation at rush hours

It appears that the Automatic Token Machines (ATM) installed at the ITO Metro station has failed to provide relief to the commuters using tokens at peak hours. Instead of making it easier for them, it has become more time-consuming and confusing. All the recharge counters have been shut and six ATM machines have been set up in the station premises. 

The touch-screen token machine displays a map of the Metro route where customers have to select a destination station. It displays the fare and the commuter has to insert the amount in a slot. 

But all this has emerged to be too complicated for those who buy <g data-gr-id="40">token</g> to travel in the Metro. 

It was observed that commuters were running from one machine to another to get their tokens during the peak hours. Many, among whom were well-educated ones too, failed to operate the machine. Though there are two language options — English and Hindi, it was found that many could not operate it without assistance.

Some of the commuters expressed apprehensions about the machine. 

“I don’t know how to operate this machine. I don’t have the knowledge of the map and Metro network system. I could not understand what is yellow-line, blue-line or other respective lines of the network. 

I just know my destination station. <g data-gr-id="37">Situation</g> gets worse during peak hours,” said Mohan Kumar, a commuter. 

“Amongst those who travel by <g data-gr-id="36">the Metro</g> on a daily basis, a large number of them comprise senior citizens and those who are less educated. Such people are not even familiar about touch phones, leave alone ATMs at Metro stations. How can DMRC expect that they can operate the ATM machine on their own,” said Pawan Kumar, a Delhi University student and a regular Metro commuter. 

Meanwhile Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said ATM machine operators have been deployed at various stations to assist commuters. There are around 70 per cent commuters who travel with smart cards while only 30 per cent use tokens.