Pune Metro Commuters Grapple with Last-Mile Connectivity Challenges
Commuters using the Pune Metro are encountering significant hurdles in last-mile connectivity, as autorickshaw drivers are frequently overcharging passengers or outright refusing rides. This issue stems largely from the poor adoption of the share-an-auto initiative, which was designed to provide affordable and standardized feeder services from Metro stations.
Widespread Complaints from Passengers
Aakash Sanap, a commuter traveling from Shivajinagar Metro station, recounted his frustrating experience where three autorickshaw drivers denied him a ride at the official fare chart rate and instead demanded extra money. Sanap's situation is not isolated; many other Metro users have echoed similar grievances at various stations across the city.
Parikshit Wadekar, a frequent Metro traveler from Ramwadi, highlighted two primary obstacles: the denial of rides by drivers and the insistence on additional payments beyond the displayed fare charts. Wadekar emphasized that the lack of reliable and proper autorickshaw services is a key reason why many residents opt to use their private vehicles instead of the Metro, undermining public transport efficiency.
Official Efforts to Address the Crisis
In response to these mounting complaints, Maha Metro authorities have been engaged in persistent discussions with autorickshaw unions. Officials revealed that in recent talks, they have offered to extend necessary assistance to rickshaw drivers at stations to ensure compliance with fare charts. An official stated, "Besides the autorickshaw unions, dialogues are also underway with aggregators to provide rides to commuters at fixed rates from Metro stations. Some development is expected in the next month."
Furthermore, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) is planning a joint review of the issue with autorickshaw unions. Swapnil Bhosale, deputy regional transport officer, mentioned, "We have been working on improving the share-an-auto services at Metro stations. A survey is being undertaken for this purpose, and there is also a need to provide dedicated spaces for autos near stations."
Persistent Infrastructure and Service Gaps
Pradip Kelkar, a Shivajinagar resident, pointed out that there has been no substantial improvement in feeder services at Metro stations, including autorickshaw rides and PMPML buses. He remarked, "The fleecing was not benefiting either commuters or autorickshaw drivers. There is a need to meet a breakthrough."
Yogesh Babar, another commuter, noted that while authorities had introduced e-bikes and e-cycles during the initial phase of the Metro's launch, no further enhancements have been made since, leaving a gap in sustainable last-mile options.
Auto Drivers Cite Lack of Facilities
From the perspective of autorickshaw drivers, the absence of proper stands near Metro stations is a major constraint. Vikas Paigude, an autorickshaw driver, explained that drivers often face penalties if they stop near entry and exit gates at stations. He questioned, "How will we be able to offer services if dedicated spaces have not been made available for us?" This lack of infrastructure complicates efforts to provide consistent and lawful services to Metro commuters.
The ongoing challenges highlight a critical need for coordinated action between transport authorities, auto unions, and service providers to resolve last-mile connectivity issues and promote greater Metro usage in Pune.
