NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which is operating the 82-kilometer high-speed corridor between Delhi and Meerut, has developed the notion of providing customers of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) access to a premium class coach option.
A premium class coach will be added, which may be accessible through premium lounges at stations to encourage people who are currently traveling with their own vehicles.
According to the NCRTC, the priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai with five stations will be made operational by early next year.
The notion of a premium class coach was conceived to persuade those who are now using private automobiles to switch to RRTS without compromising comfort. The ultimate goal of minimizing traffic congestion on roadways would be furthered by the modal shift.
The report stated that the RRTS (AFC) system’s double-tap functionality would be used to regulate entry to the platform’s premium lounge. According to NCRTC, this was not only being done for the first time in the nation but also perhaps the entire world.
Gates for the AFC system would be located on the concourse and platform. Passengers could enter the paid section at the concourse and the standard class boarding areas at platform level using the concourse level gates. There would be a second row of gates at the platform for accessing the premium lounge which will allow access to premium class coaches.
If a customer chooses to board a premium class coach and purchases a ticket, using a QR code, or uses a National Common Mobility Card, the fare will be deducted in advance. However, commuters paying with e-wallets would have the option to choose between taking the regular class coach or the premium class after entering the concourse level.
This is not the first application in the world. Hong Kong uses double tap for entry into first class coaches on train lines connecting with Mainland China border for more than 25 years.