It's amazing how the Loyalty Programs can get you hooked on! These days you can find a Loyalty Card for almost everything - airlines, websites, malls and retail outlets, grocery shops, bars and restaurants, even petrol bunks!
So if I wish to fly to Dubai to satisfy my greed for clothes and shoes, I earn Air Miles, and further reward points for every buck spent on accessorizing and pleasing myself. Sounds good. Thanks to the wallet makers who drive this fetish further by providing ample slots to 'house' these Loyalty Cards.
So I often wondered that why don't the Indian Railways start such a Loyalty Program for frequent travelers such as me. Infact, you will be surprised to know that the IRCTC website doesn't let you book more than 10 railway tickets per month whereas this deserves a discount for the 'bulk buy'! I am sure the railways would have lost a couple of web bookings due to factors such as this and also their comparatively tedious booking procedure, thus making the customers migrate to other (affiliated) travel sites with a more user-friendly interface, ease of booking, discounts and loyalty programs.
But finally they are here with their SOFT (Scheme for Frequent Travelers), and it's better late than never. Now you accumulate miles for every rupee spent on rail travel and can lay claim to free ticket(s) just like you can in any other loyalty program. Of-course they have their own terms and conditions such as they don't give miles on travel in anything less than AC 2 Tier, which in my opinion should be fine. Considering it's so hard to get a confirmed reservation in AC 2 Tier closer to the date of travel, I presume there would be ample 'takers' for this!
However, I feel they still have a few lessons to be learned from their counterparts because their Loyalty Card doesn't come for free. They charge you Rs 500 for signing-up for first year and an annual renewal fee of Rs 300 every subsequent year. Not heard of a paid loyalty program for individuals in a long time now though it may suit the likes of travel agents.
It'll be interesting to notice how this program evolves. I'll keep you updated!
- Namrta R
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