Pune Metro and PMPML Expand Feeder Bus Network to Enhance Last-Mile Connectivity
In a significant move to improve urban mobility, Maha Metro and the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) have jointly rolled out a comprehensive feeder bus service from the PCMC Metro station. This initiative aims to address the critical last-mile connectivity challenge for Metro commuters across the city.
Network Expansion and Current Coverage
The feeder bus service has been extended to cover 11 Metro stations across 23 distinct routes, marking a substantial expansion in public transport integration. Key stations currently serviced include PCMC, SNDT, Swargate, Shivajinagar, Ramwadi, Yerawada, and Kalyaninagar. The newly introduced buses from PCMC Metro station are specifically designed to cater to areas extending up to Kalewadi Phata, providing crucial links to residential and commercial zones.
Commuters Voice Concerns Over Service Irregularities
Despite the expansion, regular commuters have raised serious concerns regarding the operational consistency of the feeder buses. Many report irregular schedules and insufficient frequency, which undermines the reliability of the service. The PMPML airport feeder service from Yerawada Metro station has come under particular criticism.
Frequent flyer Vikas Wadke highlighted the practical difficulties faced by passengers. "A commuter cannot be expected to wait 30 to 40 minutes at the Yerawada station just to reach the airport. The frequency should be increased to at least once every 10 minutes," he stated, emphasizing that buses often fail to adhere to published timetables, causing inconvenience and delays.
Official Response and Future Plans
Maha Metro officials have acknowledged these challenges and are actively working on solutions. Surveys are currently underway at additional stations to identify potential new feeder routes and optimize existing ones. "We can expect improvements in feeder services over the next few months," a Maha Metro official assured.
The official further explained logistical constraints, noting, "At some stations, there is limited space to park or halt buses. At such locations, we are planning to introduce dedicated autorickshaw services. Our goal is to ensure that at least one feeder option is available at every Metro station for commuting to nearby areas and back." This multi-modal approach aims to create a seamless travel experience.
Private Sector Partnerships and Special Initiatives
To strengthen the feeder network, Maha Metro has also forged partnerships with private firms. In the IT park belt along Nagar Road, private companies have introduced their own feeder buses to facilitate employee commute. A similar collaborative initiative has been successfully launched at the SNDT Metro station, demonstrating a model for public-private cooperation in urban transport.
These efforts underscore a broader strategy to build a robust, integrated transport ecosystem in Pune, though the immediate focus remains on addressing commuter grievances to enhance service reliability and frequency across all feeder routes.
