The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has deployed a total of 50 feeder buses so far to boost last-mile connectivity for commuters using the Pune Metro, Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director (Administration and Public Relations), Pune Metro, told The Free Press Journal.
"There is a need to increase the number of buses. Our current focus is on last-mile connectivity. It is not possible to provide parking space for every passenger, which creates the need for feeder buses that can help passengers travel conveniently," he added.
Sonawane said that parking is available at eight Metro stations — PCMC, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Phugewadi, Bopodi, Shivajinagar, Civil Court, Swargate, Ideal Colony, and Mangalwar Peth — at affordable rates. However, these facilities are currently non-operational due to certain issues and limited space. "Since there is no designated parking space at all metro stations, vehicles are often seen parked haphazardly. However, it is the responsibility of the police to take action against such violations," he added.
Earlier on Monday, NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule said there was a need for 5,000 PMPML buses and proper parking facilities at the metro stations. "If the government can spend huge amounts on Metro rail service then it can easily buy 5,000 buses for PMPML. It is important to ensure maximum people use the Metro rail service," she said. "The union and state government should come up with a comprehensive policy to provide last-mile connectivity to commuters," she added.
