• Source:JND
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CHENNAI Metro Rail launched Whatsapp e-tickets for commuters on May 17. The new e-ticket was launched in the presence of Chennai Metro Rail Limited MD E Siddique. By booking tickets through a messaging app, commuters will get a discount of 20 per cent.

Before the launch of Whatsapp e-tickets, Chennai Metro Rail has earlier launched tokens, smartcards, and QR Code tickets. Commuters have to send a ‘Hi’ message to the number 8300086000 to book Whatsapp e-tickets. When a commuter chooses the origin and destination stations in WhatsApp, they will be directed to the payment gateway. A QR ticket will be generated once payment is made.

Following the launch of this service, MA Siddique, Managing Director of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) said that a commuter can produce up to six tickets through Whatsapp e-ticket facility.

“These tickets are transferable and if one person books it, they can share the QR code with another person for travel. This ticket has a validity of 24 hours and also gives a commuter a 20 per cent discount,” Siddique said.

He also said that they are working to launch tickets through apps including Paytm and Airtel soon. “We have introduced different modes of tickets from tokens to WhatsApp e-tickets because each commuter will have different means to purchase tickets and it will be convenient for them to have such options,” Siddique further said.

The CMRL also plans to offer promotional tickets for 10-20 days to college students and office workers who live near the stations but have never travelled on the metro. “Our aim is to make all residents of Chennai travel at least once on the metro. We believe that if they travel once they will opt for it again,” he said.

Here Are Some Conditions For Whatsapp E-Tickets

- The QR ticket is valid till the end of the business day. However, once the entry is done, passengers must leave the destination within 120 minutes.

- These tickets can not be booked after Business Hours.

- Passengers should exit the source station within 20 minutes from the time of entry.

- Cancellation of tickets is prohibited in WhatsApp Ticketing.