Pune Metro sees decline in commuter footfall in Nov 2023

Commuter footfall on the two operating Metro routes—Vanaz Ruby Hall Clinic and PCMC headquarters—to Civil Court decreased in November for the second consecutive month.

The absence of parking spaces close to stations, poor last-mile connectivity, and feeder services were cited as some of the main reasons why commuters were hesitant to use Metro.

Ridership in November was 14.2 lakh, compared to 36.7 lakh in October. Twenty lakh commuters were recorded in September. It is worth mentioning that on August 1st of this year, Metro railway services were launched on extended routes.

While the frequency of Metro trips was satisfactory, regular commuters felt that in order to effectively increase ridership, feeder services and last-mile connectivity, shared rickshaw services and PMPML bus trips on smaller routes, needed to be improved.

According to a frequent Metro commuter, the Metro facility was new which was the main reason for an increase in ridership on both routes in August and September. Maintaining ridership is a challenge for metro authorities. Ridership will increase again only when commuters will have seamless access to all services that enable station accessibility.

Maha Metro officials stated that they were keeping an eye on ridership at important stations.

A senior Metro official said that parking is available at important stations like Nal Stop, Civil Court and Shivajinagar. Maha Metro and the Pune Municipal Corporation are collaborating to offer similar amenities at other stations. Additionally, Metro will be meeting with PMPML shortly to discuss how to improve feeder services.

Feeder services of PMPML buses, autorickshaws, is need of the hour for smooth commuting. 

Another important aspect to increase ridership can be ample parking space near stations such as Vanaz, Ruby Hall Clinic, PCMC Hq where commuters can park their personal vehicles and board the Metro for their desired destination.  

Another schemes that can be introduced at the stations could be starting rent a cycle, e bike, autorickshaw system.