Pune: The Maha Metro has started the process of inviting expressions of interest (EoIs) for appointing private agency/agencies to operate feeder bus services on selected routes.At present, the state-run PMPML has long been operating feeder buses for last-mile connectivity to some Metro stations. Commuters, however, have not been happy with the services. They claimed that there have been hardships in commuting as buses were not frequent enough to meet demands. Major complaints were reported about the feeder buses connecting Lohegaon airport with Metro stations.Ashutosh Sanap, who frequently travels on Metro, said lack of feeder buses for the Metro commuters was leading to many problems. “Travellers have been facing delays and were spending more money on autorickshaws. We have been demanding authorities to introduce midibuses on routes around Metro stations. The buses should run a distance of five km from stations and cover prominent locations and residential localities.“Officials from Maha Metro said several measures were being undertaken for effective first-mile and last-mile connectivity for the Metro commuters, enhance convenience and boost ridership. In view of this, the Maha Metro has identified certain potential routes for operating feeder buses.The nodal authority has sought to appoint an ‘operator’ through a bidding process, who will inter-alia be responsible for procurement, operation and maintenance of feeder buses on selected routes. The process of inviting EoI has been initiated for this.While the Maha Metro was yet to finalise the microscopic details pertaining to the fare and routes, the initiative would include procuring electric buses, provide associated infrastructure for operation on specified routes, maintenance of buses, setting up fare collection system and procure ticketing equipment.As many as 29 stations have been operational on two Metro routes in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Commuters have long been expecting feeder buses at key stations like Ramwadi, Yewarada, Kalyaninagar, PCMC, Garware College and Nal Stop.
