Pune Metro Plans Feeder Bus Services To Improve Last-Mile Connectivity and Increase Ridership
Pune Metro Plans Feeder Bus Services To Improve Last-Mile Connectivity and Increase Ridership
Pune, April 17, 2026: In an effort to enhance commuter convenience and boost passenger numbers, Pune Metro is planning to introduce a dedicated feeder bus network to address last-mile connectivity challenges across the city.
The initiative comes as metro ridership has fallen short of initial projections. Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha-Metro), which operates the service, has invited proposals from private operators to run feeder routes connecting metro stations with nearby residential and commercial areas.
Officials believe that seamless connectivity between stations and final destinations is crucial to attracting more commuters. Currently, the metro records an average daily ridership of approximately 1.88 lakh passengers, a figure expected to rise significantly once the upcoming Line 3 (Pink Line) becomes operational.
Authorities are evaluating different vehicle options for the feeder system, including minibuses and smaller shared vehicles. A detailed commuter survey and feasibility study will be conducted before finalising the plan. Initially, the service is expected to be rolled out as a pilot project at select stations.
For the system to be effective, officials indicated that feeder services should operate at frequent intervals, ideally every five to ten minutes, ensuring minimal waiting time and easy accessibility.
At present, Pune Metro is coordinating with Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML), along with auto-rickshaw unions and public bicycle services, to provide limited last-mile connectivity. In some areas, private companies have also arranged transport for employees from metro stations to workplaces.
Going forward, PMPML is likely to be given priority in operating feeder routes based on planned networks, while metro authorities may deploy their own services in underserved areas.
Officials have stated that there are no regulatory barriers to implementing the feeder system, and the final model will be based on practical considerations and commuter needs.
A feeder bus service between Ramwadi Metro Station and Pune Airport is already operational, offering an early example of how expanded connectivity could function in the future.
