The importance of the crucial last-mile link in any public transport system cannot be overemphasised. In the case of the Chennai Metro where commuter patronage was falling on certain sectors, its attempt to add share auto and car services at stations has actually attracted more footfalls.
The number of people travelling by Metro has shot up by 10,000; now 55,000 people travel by Metro on a daily basis.
According to CMRL officials, they have seen this increase only after introducing these ‘share’ services in a few stations in August.
A passenger who alights at the station can pay ₹10 for a share auto service or ₹15 for a share car service that will ply in a 3-km radius of the station. “Earlier, we would have an average of 45,000 people using the transport system, but over the last few weeks, we have seen a jump of about 10,000,” an official said.
Officials said these services will be expanded to all 26 metro stations in a few months. “We have already called for tenders and the discussions are on. It will be implemented in 2-3 months,” he added.
Three years ago, Chennai Metro started its first service on an 8-km stretch between Koyambedu and Alandur with an average of 8,000 people travelling on a daily basis.
Passengers say these share auto and car services should have been made available then.
