Reporter’s Diary: Negotiation difficult with a confused MTC official

When she approached an official to enquire if a new tender had been floated to procure them, he refused to admit that any tender was floated to purchase paper tickets. He even argued that all ETMs were in working condition and ruled out any necessity to change them.

Within a minute, he contradicted himself and said, “The lease period of the machines is not yet over. It will only be over by the end of the year. Till then, the faulty machines cannot be replaced. Anyway, the conductors are issuing e-tickets to the passengers.”

When the scribe enquired if paper tickets will be issued till then, he said, “It is being provided to the conductors only to be used during emergency situations.”

When asked further about the faulty e-ticketing machines, the official refused to accept that the conductors are complaining about the faulty machines and inadequate paper rolls. The statement comes in the backdrop of several complaints from unions regarding the same. He said, “Do you think officials wouldn’t have provided them with rolls to print tickets. We are not working without applying our minds.” The conversation helped this scribe understand at least a little about the frustration of union leaders negotiating with transport authorities.