Private firm to manage Abuja-Kaduna e-ticket for 10yrs

A private firm, SecureID, has the concession to manage the Abuja-Kaduna e-ticketing platform for 10 years and recoup up to N900 million before handing over to the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NCR).

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi disclosed this on Wednesday during the official launch of the e-ticketing platform held virtually.

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The minister said the online ticketing which marks the beginning of automation of ticket sales in all major stations in Abuja- Kaduna train service is in line with global world best practices and will enhance efficiency, save time, promote accountability, reduce ticket racketeering, reduce leakage and promote economic growth.

The Minister further stated that it is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) valued at N900 million of which the concessionaire ( SecureID) will provide, then run the facility for 10 year to recoup its investment before reverting ownership to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Board, NRC, Ibrahim Alhassan Musa , said that the e- ticketing solution finally brings to an end the persistent allegation of ticket racketeering at the train Station.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, Secure ID Solutions, Kofo Akinkugbe, the launch heralds the nation’s entry into the new age of multi- model ticketing in public transportation while allowing for passengers convenience, efficiency and accountability for operators and provide data for government for better decision making.

Kofo further stated that the e- ticketing solution after a successful pilot program as of Thursday has issued 25,000 tickets online and informed intending commuters on the Abuja – Kaduna rail corridor to assess the e – ticketing solution online.

According to her, all solutions offer a increased customer experience such as convenient ticket purchase 24 hours a day, seat selection, secure online payments, no physical interaction amongst others.