Commuters train sights on first class

Thought only residents of affluent suburbs prefer to travel in first-class compartments? Think again.

Thought only residents of affluent suburbs prefer to travel in first-class compartments? Think again.

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Figures of 2009-10 and 2010-11 procured from the Western Railway (WR) show that there has been a considerable rise in the number of commuters boarding the first-class compartment beyond Borivli station.

According to statistics, the number of commuters boarding trains from Borivli after purchasing tickets and season passes has gone up by 22% and 0.20% respectively in 2010-11.

Interestingly, Nalasopara registered the maximum sale of tickets with a 40% increase, while sale of season passes rose by 29%.

“There is a demographic shift in the sale of first-class tickets and monthly passes. It is now more towards the north after Andheri station,” said Sharat Chandrayan, chief PRO, WR.

Housing projects on the Bhayander-Virar belt seem to have taken the crowd to the far suburbs. The number of card ticket sales at Virar went up by 31%, while Bhayander saw a 29% rise.

There has also been a 37% increase in the number of people purchasing tickets and passes at Jogeshwari station. “Due to the ongoing Metro rail work, many commuters find it difficult to reach Andheri station and hence go to Jogeshwari,” said a WR official, adding that sale of one season ticket is equivalent to 50 card tickets.

There has been a negative growth in the number of commuters travelling to and from Churchgate. There is –0.14% difference in purchase of card tickets and sale of season tickets has dropped by -1.06%.

However, Dadar station is the most crowded and registered a 25% rise in sale of tickets.