Jaipur: After losing 80,000 tokens and crores of rupees that went into their making, the Jaipur Metro has decided to introduce a QR code ticketing system to replace the tokens.Officials said after a successful experiment in the last few months, they would soon introduce paper tickets with QR codes. “Besides tokens, we are also issuing paper tickets with QR codes. Passengers need to scan the codes at the entry gates to platforms. The system is cost-effective and convenient. Soon, we will switch over entirely to a QR code ticketing system,” stated a metro official Saturday. Officials said talks are on with private companies to implement a paperless system in which passengers provide their mobile numbers at ticket counters and receive QR codes via WhatsApp. “In future, under the paperless system, passengers will also be able to purchase metro tickets online,” another metro official stated. TOI on March 29, 2024, reported that Jaipur Metro commuters were walking away with 100-150 smart tokens every day, with 79,156 tokens damaged or lost till March 2024. Although tokens are invalid once passengers leave stations, the loss weighed heavily as each token cost Rs 22. Officials identified two common methods. The first, tailgating, sees passengers purchase the lowest fare ticket (Rs 6) but travel longer distances when the next fare is Rs 12. The second involves passengers buying an extra Rs 6 token as a souvenir and carrying it outside after completing their journey. “We impose a fine of Rs 50 along with the maximum fare of Rs 22 (Rs 72) per passenger, if we apprehend any passenger with damaged or misplaced tokens. But the number of people cuaght is far less than the number of tokens lost. The costs of the paper tickets is negligible. Costs would reduce further once we switch to the paperless (online) ticketing system,” an official said.
No more tokens, Metro to launch QR ticket system | Jaipur News
