The Federal Government has announced the commencement of test bookings on e-ticketing platforms of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who announced this via his verified Twitter handle, also stated that the government would fully inaugurate the service next week.

Although he made no mention of the exact date when the service would be inaugurated next week, many of his Twitter followers expressed hope that the e-ticketing service would eradicate touts at train stations.

Amaechi further stated that the e-ticketing service would begin with the Abuja-Kaduna railway route.

“Yes, we have commenced test bookings on the NRC e-ticketing platform, starting with the Abuja-Kaduna rail line. Next week, we’ll launch fully. Check it out and make bookings at: nrc.tps.ng,” the minister tweeted.

Train services in Nigeria have been witnessing large passenger volumes; for instance, the minister recently stated that about 4,000 passengers were conveyed daily on the Abuja-Kaduna rail line.

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The Abuja-Kaduna train service had also recorded an increased turnout of travellers as a result of the incessant criminal activities perpetuated by bandits on the Abuja-Kaduna road.

Passengers had repeatedly called on the government to introduce e-ticketing service in the rail transport sector following the widespread racketeering in many train stations, particularly on the Abuja-Kaduna service.

Reacting to the e-ticketing announcement, a Twitter user, Stanley Osula, said, “Congratulations sir; this will help remove middlemen and touting. Can we have the website/app secured please?”

Reacting to the e-ticketing announcement, a Twitter user, Stanley Osula, said, “Congratulations sir; this will help remove middlemen and touting. Can we have the website/app secured please?”

Another Twitter user, Adedayo Hakeem, asked, “Sir, what are the plans in place so that seats booked online will not be re-allocated at the station?”

Also, a passenger simply identified as Jamyl, said, “Thanks for the information. I sincerely hope this e-ticket platform will not be sabotaged to frustrate customers to reverting to the old ways of buying from touts.”

Transport Payment Solutions who provided the NRC payment solutions have received tons of commendations across board.

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