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In a move to make travel easier for Pune Metro passengers, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has introduced 50 new feeder buses. These buses are meant to help people reach their final destinations after getting off the metro. Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director (Administration and Public Relations) at Pune Metro, shared this update with The Free Press Journal. He said that this effort is part of making the metro experience smoother and more comfortable for everyone.
Focus on Last-Mile Connectivity
Even though 50 feeder buses have been introduced, PMPML officials say that more buses are needed. Hemant Sonawane mentioned that the current focus is on solving last-mile connectivity problems. He said that not every passenger can get parking space at the metro stations, and that is why there is a need for more buses that can carry people easily from the station to their final stop.
He explained, "There is a need to increase the number of buses. Our current focus is on last-mile connectivity. It is not possible to provide parking space for every passenger, which creates the need for feeder buses that can help passengers travel conveniently."
Parking Problems at Metro Stations
Parking at metro stations has also become a big challenge. According to Sonawane, although eight stations have parking spaces, they are currently not in use. These stations include PCMC, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Phugewadi, Bopodi, Shivajinagar, Civil Court, Swargate, Ideal Colony, and Mangalwar Peth.
Due to limited space and unavailability of proper facilities, many vehicles are being parked randomly near stations. Sonawane said that the police are responsible for taking action against such parking violations. He added, "Since there is no designated parking space at all metro stations, vehicles are often seen parked haphazardly. However, it is the responsibility of the police to take action against such violations."
Need for More Buses and Better Policies
NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule also raised concerns about the current situation. She said that more buses should be added to the PMPML fleet and better parking facilities must be provided. She added, "If the government can spend huge amounts on Metro rail service then it can easily buy 5,000 buses for PMPML. It is important to ensure maximum people use the Metro rail service."
Sule also stressed the importance of a clear and complete policy from both the central and state governments to support last-mile connectivity.
The 50 new feeder buses are a welcome step, but Pune still needs more buses, better parking, and strong government policies to improve the metro journey for everyone.
