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Pune Metro has expanded its network to 29 stations across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. However, the lack of enough feeder buses is becoming a major problem for passengers who depend on public transport for the last part of their journey.
Pune Metro Feeder Buses Requirement
The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) currently operates only 15 feeder buses on seven routes. Because of the limited number of buses, services are not frequent enough, forcing many Metro passengers to depend on autorickshaws or private vehicles. The issue is becoming more important as Pune Metro carries around two lakh passengers every day. Metro trains are available at shorter intervals, but passengers often have to wait much longer for feeder buses after reaching a station, reducing the convenience of using the Metro for daily travel.
Two feeder routes have also been discontinued because they did not receive the expected passenger response including the Ramwadi Metro Station to Pune Airport route and the Pimpri Metro Station to Akurdi Railway Station route. The closure of these services has further affected connectivity between Metro stations and important transport and employment centres.
RTI activist Tushar Rulapal has raised concerns about the small number of feeder buses. He said that Pune Metro would not be able to achieve its full potential unless it is properly connected with the city's bus network.
Commuters have also highlighted the problem of long waiting times. Some passengers said they end up choosing autos or their own vehicles when they have to wait 30 to 40 minutes for a feeder bus.
PMPML officials said they are aware of the problem and are considering adding more buses and changing routes based on passenger demand. Meanwhile, MahaMetro has proposed procuring 500 midi-buses to improve feeder connectivity around Metro stations.
Better and more frequent feeder services could encourage more people to use Metro trains and reduce dependence on private vehicles.