In October, Pune Metro witnessed a decline in ridership, prompting Maha Metro to closely monitor stations with reduced footfall. While the average daily ridership remains robust at over 50,000, efforts are underway to address the drop and enhance commuter experience.
Despite the drop in ridership from over 20 lakh in August and September to 16.7 lakh in October, Maha Metro maintains an optimistic outlook. Officials suggest that the ridership is expected to rebound as people continue to familiarize themselves with the Metro services.
The extension of Metro services to Civil Court and Ruby Hall Clinic since August 1 has not immediately triggered changes in train frequency. Trains continue to operate at intervals of 10 to 15 minutes on two routes. However, a comprehensive review of all stations is in progress, aligning with the forthcoming extension of the Metro’s run to Ramwadi early next year.
Focus on Footfall: Maha Metro’s strategy involves concentrated efforts on stations with notable footfall, including Civil Court, Vanaz, Ruby Hall, and Pune Station. Yet, the approach is not exclusive to high-traffic stations. The team is meticulously assessing stations with lower footfall, anticipating potential shifts in ridership dynamics. For example, Kasarwadi station currently experiences lower footfall, but with its direct connection to Nashik Road, future ridership growth is anticipated.
Anticipating Future Expansion: According to regular commuters, the ridership is expected to surge further once the Metro services extend to Ramwadi and Swargate. Key areas like Nagar Road, Kalyaninagar, Mandai, and Swargate are identified as untapped regions, poised for increased connectivity and ridership.
Enhancing Commuter Experience: Maha Metro is actively working on measures to make the Metro more commuter-friendly. Initiatives include the introduction of one-day passes, discounts for students and weekend commuters, and extended service hours from 6 am to 10 pm. Last-mile connectivity and feeder services are also being prioritized to provide a seamless travel experience.
Upcoming Developments: The Maha Metro is making progress on identifying and operationalizing parking lots near various stations, with a focus on enhancing accessibility. The planned extension of the Metro line to Ramwadi by December and the completion of the underground Metro till Swargate by March are key milestones in Pune Metro’s ongoing expansion.
