A visit to the Kochi metro stations during afternoon hours on Tuesday was like visiting a busy railway station during peak hours, considering the number of passengers who were taking the stairs, escalators or lifts to reach the platform or those leaving stations after alighting from trains.
A few of them spoke to The Hindu on how the metro has revolutionised public transport in the region.
‘Well-maintained’
Among them were K.V. Varghese and Shybi, a jovial couple from Kolenchery who were on holiday from Muscat, and their sons Basil and Baxen. “The metro trains, stations and adjacent toilets are clean, well-maintained and safe, as compared to many other metro systems in India. It is also value for money since it accords hassle-free travel, without traffic snarls, pollution and potholed roads. Moreover, time is money nowadays and the metro ensures that one arrives at a destination on time,” said Ms. Shybi.
Then there was Gita Sasidharan and Lali Jeevan, long-time friends who were travelling to Edappally. “We now have an alternative mode of transport even if there is bus strike or hartal. Students will benefit more from the metro if they are given concession on ticket fare,” they said.
Shanavas, a higher-secondary school student said the metro provided air-conditioned comfort, while ensuring fast travel through the city. But the fare structure was high when compared to buses, he said.
