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Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited will start dedicated feeder bus services from Ramwadi Metro Station to nearby residential and commercial areas. This step is to improve last-mile connectivity, making it easier for passengers to reach metro stations and increasing the number of people using the metro.
Pune Metro's Feeder Buses
Currently, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) runs buses from Ramwadi Metro Station to Pune International Airport every 15 minutes. Buses to Kharadi and Kharadi Bypass are available every five to ten minutes. In the first phase, feeder buses will run from Ramwadi Metro Station on two routes towards Kharadi and Pune International Airport, and will begin as a pilot project by April. If successful, Maha-Metro will introduce more organised feeder services to ensure better connectivity between stations and nearby locations.
Bus Services Across Pune & Pimpri-Chinchwad
Even though PMPML already operates bus services across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maha-Metro is studying the possibility of adding more feeder buses on its own. It has invited private transport companies to show interest in running these services under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
This plan has led to some debate. Some people are concerned that these new services might overlap with existing public transport. Others are questioning whether the move is mainly for passenger convenience or to create opportunities for private operators.
Pune Metro Ridership
The proposal comes at a time when metro ridership has slightly decreased. In January, the metro had over 62 lakh passengers, which dropped to about 55 lakh in February. By March 15, the number stood at around 27 lakh. Officials say poor last-mile connectivity is one of the main reasons for this decline.
As the services are limited, Maha-Metro is also considering tie-ups with autorickshaw unions for shared or prepaid rides near stations to improve the situation.
