Apr 13, 2007 03:18 PM
8339 Views
What makes one’s organization visible can be learnt from Raj Travels. Well managed, disciplined and transparent services of Raj Travels definitely raised the bar of road travel industry. If I travel to Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Surat, Goa and Baroda, I make it sure that it is Raj only.
Online ticket booking, online payment, transparent services, well mannered drivers and attendant, clean and neatly maintained coaches, defined stopovers, punctuality and professional services makes Raj Travel “Numero Uno” road travel service provider.
During launch period and in winters, Raj Travels used to gift blankets. I have re-gifted one such blanket to my mom. Nowadays they have discontinued blankets. Then they provide travel pouch which contains chocolates, tooth picks and eye mask. Mineral water bottle is also provided as you board the coach. You get entertained with movies and they have two screens, so that passengers seating at the rear can also watch movie with ease. In few coaches they have points for ear plug, so if somebody is sleeping he is not getting disturbed by sound of movie. Ear phones are distributed.
Normally I book my tickets online but at times I have booked my ticket offline. Last time when I booked my ticket from Goa, I received system generated SMS thanking for business with Raj and reminder SMS for the boarding time.
Off course there is always continuous scope of improvement in Raj services.
1) They insist on credit card and do not entertain debit card at some booking offices. For example, I was refused ticket at Pune HO for not having credit card. I don’t have any. I was required to re-visit Raj office with cash. On trying to understand from booking executive, why don’t you accept debit cards, she says we offer you online booking. She(and Raj Travel) probably does not understand that debit cards are also acceptable online and many travel service providers including Indian Railways agree to take payment thru debit cards also.
Probably card present or card not present scene must be worry for Raj. Here is a word of caution, anybody can book ticket online using fraud credit card, so please protect your credit card details. That reminds me I have studied Cyber Law.
2) Improper information on telephone: I telephoned 5 times to various Raj offices at Goa but couldn’t get the proper information. In the days of satellite communication and networked organization, Raj definitely needs improvement like IRCTC.
3) No reward for frequent traveler: They even don’t recognize you, which is not the case with local travels companies and their agents.
4) Most of the Raj staff is courteous but at times you get to experience all fingers are not same. Raj management should identify this trend and take proactive measures. Last time mineral water was refused without any proper explanation. Raj must remember that passengers are paying premium price above the market rates and expect minimum standards to be adhered.
5) Multiple seat numbers for single booking is quite harassing. When you book your ticket from starting point to end destination, you expect to seat at same seat but at times they have changed seat numbers and local staff at boarding office pleads helplessness. So you were traveling at seat number A1 and suddenly you become backbencher. But this happens once in a blue moon.
6) No luggage rooms and wash rooms: If you have a bus in the evening and you are checking out in the morning, you need to keep locked luggage at reliable place, roam in the city, have a dose of movie or something like that and come back in the evening. But by and large luggage parking is not available with Raj.(At few places like Baroda I have experienced good luggage and wash faclity)
To conclude you get Premium-Punctual-Professional services, good ambience, and value for your money with Raj Travels. They have holiday packages too but market offers better deals.
Cheer up with Raj Travels and make your trip pleasant.
~ Avinash Murkute