Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoIs) to appoint private agencies for running feeder bus services on selected metro routes in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Inadequate Feeder Buses
Currently, the state-run Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) operates feeder buses to help passengers commute between metro stations and nearby areas. Although these buses provide last-mile connectivity, many commuters have complained about inadequate services. Passengers often complain that the buses do not run frequently enough, making travel inconvenient. One of the major concerns raised by commuters is the lack of reliable feeder buses connecting metro stations with Pune Airport in Lohegaon.
Commuter's Opinion
Currently, 29 metro stations are operational on two metro corridors in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Commuters have long been demanding feeder bus services at important stations such as Ramwadi Metro Station, Yerawada, Kalyani Nagar, PCMC, Garware College Metro Station, and Nal Stop Metro Station. The new initiative is expected to improve connectivity and make metro travel more convenient for daily commuters.
Regular metro traveller Ashutosh Sanap said that the shortage of feeder buses is creating problems for passengers. According to him, many travellers are forced to depend on autorickshaws, which increases travel costs. He also said commuters have been requesting authorities to introduce midibuses on routes around metro stations. Ideally, these buses should operate within about five kilometres of the stations and connect important places and residential neighbourhoods.
Official's Statement
Officials from Maha Metro said they are taking several steps to improve first-mile and last-mile connectivity for metro passengers. Better connectivity is expected to make travel easier and encourage more people to use the metro. As part of this effort, the authorities have identified several possible routes for feeder bus services.
Selection of an Operator
Through the bidding process, Maha Metro plans to select an operator to handle the procurement, operation, and maintenance of the feeder buses on these routes. The project may include the use of electric buses, along with supporting infrastructure, maintenance systems, fare collection arrangements, and ticketing equipment.
