30% of Pune Metro Commuters Use Feeder Services, Demand Enhancements

A recent survey by Maha Metro indicates that approximately 30% of commuters utilizing the Pune Metro are opting for feeder services, such as buses and auto-rickshaws. While this figure demonstrates a considerable interest in these options, regular users of the Metro have expressed the need for significant improvements to enhance the overall experience.

Pune’s Metro system currently operates across two routes with 30 stations, serving an average daily footfall of around 200,000 passengers. The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) manages the feeder bus services, adjusting routes to accommodate commuter needs. Despite these efforts, users have reported that the frequency of these buses is insufficient.

According to local residents, there is a pressing demand for more extensive bus routes within a 3-kilometre radius of major stations. Commuters have highlighted the importance of increasing bus frequency during peak hours to alleviate congestion and improve last-mile connectivity. One commuter shared their frustration, stating, “The transport utility is not yet exploring new routes within a 3km radius from major stations, and there is a longstanding common demand that bus frequency should increase during rush hours.”

Officials from Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited are actively monitoring the situation. They acknowledged that around 28-30% of commuters currently utilize feeder services and are in discussions with PMPML about potential enhancements. The corporation is also planning dialogues with local traffic authorities to address issues regarding auto-rickshaw services, which have not met commuter expectations.

Regular Metro user Ashish Bapat, who travels from Garware College Metro station, articulated the need for expanded bus routes. He noted that PMPML buses predominantly service areas like Kothrud and Deccan Gymkhana, leaving other key locations underserved. “It would be good if Metro authorities introduced buses towards areas like Shastri Road, Prabhat Road, and Bhandarkar Road,” he suggested.

Another commuter, Pratiksha Joshi, echoed these sentiments, raising concerns about the auto-rickshaw services. She remarked, “Autorickshaw drivers demand extra money for rides and refuse to operate as per the fare chart.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among commuters regarding the reliability and affordability of last-mile transport options.

As Pune’s Metro system continues to evolve, addressing these concerns will be crucial for improving commuter satisfaction and increasing the uptake of feeder services. Enhanced connectivity and improved service frequency may lead to a more seamless and enjoyable travel experience for the city’s growing number of Metro users.