Authorities managing the Chennai Metro Rail Limited have announced plans to introduce new feeder bus services aimed at improving last-mile connectivity for passengers across Chennai. The initiative is expected to make it easier for commuters to travel between metro stations and nearby residential or commercial areas.
Officials said the proposed feeder bus network will connect major metro stations with surrounding neighborhoods, IT hubs, educational institutions, and transport terminals. The service is designed to help passengers complete the final leg of their journeys more conveniently after exiting the metro system.
According to transport planners, one of the main challenges for metro users is reaching their final destinations from stations that may be several kilometers away. The new feeder buses will operate on short routes with frequent services, reducing travel time and dependence on private vehicles or auto-rickshaws.
The plan also includes coordination with local transport authorities such as the Metropolitan Transport Corporation to ensure that the new services complement existing public transportation routes rather than overlap with them. Officials say the integration of buses and metro services will improve overall urban mobility.
Transport experts believe that strengthening last-mile connectivity can significantly increase metro ridership and reduce traffic congestion across the city. By providing reliable transport options near metro stations, authorities hope to encourage more commuters to shift from private vehicles to public transportation.
The feeder bus initiative is expected to be introduced in phases, beginning with routes serving high-traffic metro stations. If successful, the network could expand to cover more areas of the city as part of Chennai’s long-term plan to develop an efficient and integrated urban transport system.News as Reported.
