CHENNAI: Southern Railway, unlike metro rail, is finding it difficult to use new technology and popularise existing systems to help commuters buy tickets without a hassle at suburban stations.
Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) where smart cards can be used and UTS app are available, but the first facility, introduced more than 10 years ago, is still not popular. Retired staff had to be hired to issue tickets from the ATVMs. Digital payment options like Unified Payment Interface (UPI) need a national-level policy change.