Chennai Metro on Friday launched shared car and auto services at some of its stations.
The services, which help connect areas in a 3-km radius around the selected stations, and exclusively meant for commuters, come at a nominal rate of ₹10 and ₹15 for shared auto and cars respectively.
Drivers of these autos and cabs will provide commuter with tickets — specially issued by the Metro for these services — at the start of the journey.
Many commuters, unaware of the existence of such a facility, said clear signboards were needed, directing people to where the services could be availed.
Priya Ranjan, a commuter from AG-DMS Metro station, said, “How are we to know that cars and share autos are stationed for Metro commuters?” When she walked out of the station, she assumed private cabs were waiting for customers. “Chennai Metro should put up signs or posters on the platform and ticketing levels and all entry/exit points too,” she said. But all commuters were unanimous in welcoming the services, and said it would be a hit if promoted well.
Promote services
Deepthi S, who travels from Ashok Nagar to Chennai Central every day for work, said, “My father drops me at the station every morning. Now that share autos are available, I will happily take them. Most commuters will use this facility when they come to know of it. Chennai Metro should vigourously promote it.”
Share autos are stationed at seven stations and cars at four stations. There will be two of each at the stations, and available between 6.30 a.m. and 9.30 p.m.
Metro Rail has roped in Chennai and Suburban Share-Autorickshaw Driver’s Association and Vignesh Cabs for these services.
S. Ezhumalai of the Association said that 40 share autos have been pressed into service at Metro stations. "We are prepared to bring in any number of share autos for the existing stations and others that do not have these vehicles now. It will be greatly beneficial for commuters," he added.
Chennai Metro pays the association ₹1,150 a day for each auto, to cover a driver’s wage, fuel expenses and rent for the vehicle. “The revenue will go to Chennai Metro,” he notes. For cabs, the firm is paid ₹2,100 a day for each vehicle.
S. Maniazhagan, a 45-year-old driver stationed at Ekkatuthangal Metro station, said, “From the morning, only one of the autos went on a ride. I have been sitting idle. But I’m hopeful this service will pick up in a week when commuters get to know about it.”
Chennai Metro officials said they would soon install more signages in stations and expand the facility to all stations.
