Metro rail authorities in several Indian cities are planning to introduce additional feeder bus services to improve last-mile connectivity for daily commuters traveling to and from metro stations. The initiative aims to make public transportation more convenient by connecting residential neighborhoods, commercial hubs, and office districts with nearby metro stations.
Transport officials say many metro systems face a common challenge: passengers often find it difficult to travel the short distance between a station and their final destination, a problem known as the “last-mile connectivity gap.” Expanding feeder bus networks is expected to reduce reliance on autos, taxis, and private vehicles while encouraging more people to use metro services.
In cities where such services have already been introduced, the results have been encouraging. For example, electric feeder bus systems linking metro stations with nearby areas have significantly improved ridership and accessibility, helping commuters reach stations quickly and affordably.
Metro authorities plan to deploy small or medium-sized buses that will operate on short circular routes within a 3–5 km radius of major metro stations. These buses will run at frequent intervals, particularly during peak hours, to ensure passengers can seamlessly transfer between buses and trains.
Officials also say the new services may include electric buses, real-time tracking systems, and integrated ticketing with metro smart cards or digital payment platforms. These upgrades are part of broader efforts to build integrated urban transport systems that combine metro trains, buses, and other mobility options.
Urban mobility experts believe that strengthening feeder services will not only improve commuter convenience but also help reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and increase overall public transport usage in rapidly growing cities. As metro networks expand, authorities expect feeder bus systems to play a key role in creating efficient and sustainable urban transportation networks.News as Reported.
