Click it and Unblock the Notifications
To improve the low response to its metro service and to provide better last-mile connectivity and attract more passengers to use the metro, Pune Metro is planning to start a special feeder bus network.
Pune Metro's Feeder Buses
Shravan Hardikar, Managing Director of Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha-Metro), said that proposals have been invited from companies to run these feeder buses in the city to increase the number of people using the Pune Metro.
Pune Metro's Feeder Buses to Improve Connectivity
As per the project report, the metro has not reached its expected passenger numbers. Hardikar explained that last-mile connectivity is very important because people prefer transport options that are convenient and available near their homes. At present, the metro has an average daily ridership of 1.88 lakh passengers. This number is expected to rise to 2.75 lakh once Line 3, Pink Line, starts operating.
Pilot Project
He also said that a study will be conducted on the type of buses to be used for the feeder service, such as mini buses or smaller eight-seater vehicles. Initially, this will be tested as a pilot project at one or two metro stations. However, the number of buses will depend on the study and travel patterns of passengers. Usually, these feeder buses should run every 5 to 10 minutes and be easily accessible within a short distance of about 25 metres from where passengers start or end their journey.
Currently, Pune Metro is already working with the city's public bus service, PMPML, to provide some feeder support. It has also partnered with auto-rickshaw unions and a public bike rental company to improve connectivity for passengers.
