The UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) app by Indian Railways has made it easier than ever for travelers to book unreserved tickets on their smartphones. With multiple modes of ticketing, the app caters to various travel needs, allowing passengers to skip long queues and book their tickets instantly. This article will explore the different ticketing modes available on the UTS app, explaining how each works and when it’s best to use them.
1. Book & Travel Ticket Mode
The “Book & Travel” option allows travelers to book a ticket that is paperless and can be used immediately for travel. Here’s how it works:
- Paperless Ticket: Once booked, the ticket is stored digitally within the app, meaning there’s no need to print or collect a physical ticket.
- GPS Requirement: The app uses GPS to verify that you are within a designated ticketing zone, which includes specific distances from the station.
- Convenience: Ideal for last-minute or local journey plans, this mode eliminates the need to stop at a counter or kiosk. Simply book and start your journey without delays. Best For: Daily commuters or travelers familiar with their route who need a fast, paperless booking option.
2. Book & Print Ticket Mode
For travelers who prefer a physical ticket or need to keep a printed ticket for documentation, the UTS app offers the “Book & Print” mode.
- Digital Booking, Physical Ticket: In this mode, passengers book a ticket digitally on the app and print it at designated kiosks or ticket counters within the station premises.
- Ticket Collection Points: After booking, the passenger can retrieve their printed ticket from ATVMs (Automatic Ticket Vending Machines) or by showing a booking code at the counter.
- Enhanced Flexibility: Unlike the Book & Travel option, this mode doesn’t require GPS verification, making it more accessible in areas with limited connectivity. Best For: Travelers who prefer a hard copy of their ticket or are in areas with inconsistent GPS or internet coverage.
3. Platform Ticket Mode
The UTS app also offers a convenient “Platform Ticket” mode for those who need to access the platform but aren’t boarding a train. This mode allows visitors to enter the platform area to receive or see off passengers.
- Quick Access: A digital platform ticket is available within seconds, allowing visitors to skip long lines.
- Easy to Use: Once booked, the platform ticket is accessible within the app’s “Booked Ticket History,” enabling users to show it directly to security without printing. Best For: Anyone visiting the platform to send off or receive passengers, especially when in a hurry.
4. Season Ticket Mode
Designed with regular commuters in mind, the Season Ticket mode on the UTS app enables passengers to buy monthly or quarterly tickets for their daily routes.
- Cost-Effective: Season tickets offer significant discounts compared to daily ticket purchases, making them a budget-friendly option for frequent travelers.
- Easy Renewal: Once a season ticket expires, users can easily renew it within the app, ensuring they always have access to their preferred routes. Best For: Daily commuters who travel frequently on the same route and prefer a hassle-free, cost-effective option.
5. Renewal Mode for Season Tickets
Another useful feature of the UTS app is the Renewal Mode, specifically for season ticket holders who want to renew their tickets.
- Convenient for Long-Term Travelers: Renewal Mode is a straightforward way to extend a season ticket without having to go through a new booking process.
- No Physical Steps Needed: The renewed ticket is updated in the app, making the process fully digital. Best For: Regular commuters looking to extend their travel passes with minimal hassle.
Final Thoughts
The UTS app offers various ticketing modes, each designed to meet the needs of different types of travelers. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a visitor to the platform, or a last-minute traveler, the app has a mode tailored to make your journey smoother and more convenient.