Fare Collection and Revenue Handling
This domain tests how the conductor handles the operator's money from the first fare of the shift to the final deposit. Questions focus on cash discipline, the waybill, reconciliation, and the difference between an honest shortfall and misappropriation.
Cash discipline
- Start the shift with a counted float of change, recorded and signed for.
- Keep company cash separate from personal money; never pay for personal purchases from the cash bag.
- Hold the cash bag closed and on your person, and do not display large sums at stops.
- Do not lend, borrow or advance fare money to anyone, including colleagues.
Records
- Enter every trip, the ticket series used, the opening and closing serial numbers, and the value of tickets sold on the waybill or cash sheet.
- Record cash, digital and pass-based travel separately so the totals can be checked.
- Note any refund, cancellation or free travel with the reason.
Reconciliation and deposit
At the end of the shift, count cash against the waybill in front of the authorised person, sign the sheet, and deposit the full amount through the prescribed channel. A difference, surplus or shortfall, must be reported at once and explained in writing. Concealing a shortfall turns a clerical error into a disciplinary matter.
Worked example
At close of shift the cash is ₹40 short of the waybill figure. Reasoning: recount, check for spoiled tickets that were not recorded, and check whether change was given wrongly. If the difference persists, report it on the sheet immediately - the offence is concealment, not the shortfall itself.
Traps that cost marks
Mixing personal money with the cash bag; failing to record free or concessional travel; and delaying the report of a discrepancy until the next shift.