‘Avoid long queues at ticket booking counters. Instead, use Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs).’ For long, this has been the Central Railway’s (CR) promotional message for ATVM cards. But the much-hyped alternative for tickets issued at railway counters across stations in the city has reportedly turned into a liability. Following a slew of complaints from commuters about frequent malfunctions in the machines, CR has finally decided to replace the old stock of 175 ATVMs gradually.

Chronic hiccups: The ATVMs at Bhandup, Thane, Kalyan, Ghatkopar, and Dadar railway stations are more prone to constant breakdowns. File pic