Private cab operators, including Ola and Uber, will set up kiosks at Chennai Metro Rail stations within a month to help commuters with last mile connectivity.
According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), spots have been identified in both elevated and underground stations where private cab operators can put up their kiosks. “We know there are many who use only mobile apps for these taxi services but we want to place the kiosks for senior citizens and those who don’t use mobile apps. We are holding discussions with the operators and they should be installed in a month,” an official said.
They plan to have four such kiosks in each station. On the underground stretch, Thirumangalam, Nehru Park and Shenoy Nagar will have these facilities while Koyambedu, CMBT, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, Ekkatuthangal, Alandur and Chennai airport stations will have them on the elevated stretch. “Depending on the feedback from commuters, we may extend it to other stations too,” he added.
At present, three stretches of Chennai Metro Rail have been made operational — the elevated stretches from Koyambedu to Alandur and Little Mount to Chennai airport, and the underground stretch from Nehru Park to Thirumangalam.
“Soon after the underground stretch was inaugurated, we decided to bring in this facility. For instance, if a commuter gets off at Nehru Park station and has to go his residence in Purasaiwalkam, these services may come in handy,” an official said.
Chennai Metro Rail has also tied up with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and mini buses ply through many of the stations. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) too has partnered with Uber and has counters in 12 stations.
