Hutch launches train ticket purchases via mobile

Thursday, 21 January 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Hutch, one of Sri Lanka’s fastest growing 3G networks, has partnered with Mobitel and Sri Lanka Railway to introduce the latest addition to its range of VAS services for its valued customer base, by enabling train ticket purchases straight from a Hutch mobile.

The service will be of immense value to over 300,000 commuters who travel by train daily, as it will negate the necessity to stand in queues and help avoid the disappointment of tickets being sold out by making a train ticket reservation via a mobile phone. Customers simply need to dial 365 from their Hutch connection and make a booking through the services of a booking agent, available 24 hours and seven days a week.

The cost of the ticket will be deducted directly from the mobile balance after verification, and an SMS confirmation is sent instantly to the customer. The confirmation details of the booking can be produced at the special counter of the railway station for ticket collection.

The key train routes covered by the special train reservation service include Kandy-Colombo Intercity, Vavuniya Intercity, Vavuniya Night Mail, Yaldevi, Badulla Night Mail, Udarata Menike, Podi Menike and also the Rajadhani Express.

Hutch Chief Executive Officer Thirukumar Nadarasa commented: “I am very pleased that Hutch joined Mobitel and Sri Lanka Railways in extending this very valuable and convenient train ticket service to Hutch subscribers. This is another example of Hutch working closely with its industry peers like Mobitel to expand such utility services to as many mobile subscribers as possible.”

Meanwhile Mobitel Senior General Manager – Marketing Nalin Perera stated: “Mobitel is pleased to engage in a new partnership which gives us the opportunity to build stronger ties in the industry by sharing Mobitel’s mTicketing platform and allowing us to harness better business relationships with other key stakeholders as well. The train ticket reservation service extension is an important initiative and is now available to Hutch customers as well to enjoy the services provided by mTicketing.”

Hutch has always identified the real needs of its valued customers, and this service comes as a valuable addition to its portfolio of other services such as mobile banking, insurance and e-channeling, etc., which are already available to Hutch customers.