‘First class’ traps Memu commuters

Oct 04, 2012 - Krishna Kumar K.E. |

Kochi

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A ticket fare of Rs 105 to travel a 30-km distance on an ordinary train with no special facilities. That’s the MEMU first class for you.

But the bigger trap is the “common entrance” with the ordinary class.

As there are no indicators to differentiate the “class”, ordinary class

passengers seldom see this trap and often end up paying a hefty fine for occupying the first class for no fault of theirs.

The first class fare between Ernakulam and Piravom is Rs 105 but passengers are not provided additional facilities, not even cushioned seats. One can travel in third class AC in express trains for the same fare though.

The MEMU services are classified under passenger trains and even take the duration of ordinary trains to cover destinations.

Commuters complain that it’s difficult to spot the first class section as the entrance to both the ladies’ compartment and the first class is common.

“There are frequent instances when commuters enter the first class by mistake and have to pay a fine during surprise checks,” said Gopala Kurup, a native of Kuruppanthara, who had to pay Rs 400 for travelling the higher class on an ordinary ticket.

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