Pune Metro : Now you can reach the metro station directly; Feeder bus service will start soon

Pune Metro | Mahametro i.e. Pune Metro has taken an ambitious step towards making a big change in the public transport in Pune city. A ‘Feeder Bus Service’ is planned to be introduced to make travel from metro stations to the final destination of passengers easier, faster and easier. This initiative is expected to solve the problem of ‘last-mile connectivity’ to a large extent.

Currently, an average of 1.88 lakh passengers travel in Pune Metro every day. However, as this number was less than the initial estimate, the administration studied the main reasons behind it. The study revealed that ‘last-mile connectivity’ is the biggest bottleneck. Many commuters cannot reach the metro or avoid using the metro as the onward journey from the station is inconvenient. So now Mahametro is thinking of starting this new bus service. Pune Metro

What is feeder bus service?

Feeder bus services are services that connect the ‘last leg’ between a metro station and a passenger’s home, office or place of business.Under the scheme: a robust network will be created using mini buses, electric shared vehicles and small capacity transport. This feeder bus service will be implemented in phases:

Initially the feeder service will be introduced at select metro stations. A detailed passenger survey and feasibility study will be conducted to understand passenger needs. After the success of the pilot project, the network will be extended across the city. Pune Metro

Feeder buses are planned to run every 5 to 10 minutes to save the time of passengers. This will reduce waiting time, make travel easier and increase metro usage. PMPML can be given an important role for this project.

Currently, Pune Metro is working in coordination with ‘Pune Mahanagar Pariwan Mahamandal Limited’ (PMPML) as well as rickshaw associations and public cycle services to provide ‘last-mile connectivity’ on a limited basis. In some areas, private companies have also arranged transportation for their employees from metro stations to work places. Pune Metro

In future, PMPML is likely to be preferred to operate feeder routes based on the planned network; So in areas where transport services are lacking, the metro administration can start its own services.