The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has launched a study to identify where metro corridors can integrate with existing public transit facilities.
The study, ‘Issues involved in multi-modal integration in Chennai', is being carried out with the participation of Chennai Corporation, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and other agencies. The results will be ready in six months. The data collected will be used to devise long-term strategies for smooth transfer from one mode of transport to other after major projects such as Metro Rail, Bus Rapid Transit System and Monorail become operational, in addition to existing modes, according to senior officials.
The study will also be a stepping stone towards having a unified ticketing system for all modes of public transport.The Chennai Corporation is likely to make a survey of the bus route roads in proximity to key areas of multi-modal integration such as Egmore, Koyambedu and St. Thomas Mount. Proposal for feeder services would be made based on the survey. The likely shift in the pattern of bus transport necessitated by major public transport projects such as Metro Rail and Monorail would also be analysed. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation will carry out rationalisation of routes based on the results. The number of spots where bus bays, parking lots and regulation of hawkers are required would be calculated.
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The need for pavements, signage, walkthrough and pedestrian interchanges for seamless transfer across different modes would also be studied. The study would suggest best practices that can be internalised by various departments.
It would provide a framework for implementation of projects in the long term for optimum multi-modal integration by each of the agencies.