Private buses fail to form company to provide feeder services for metro , a fleet of approximately 100 electric buses would operate feeder services from Kochi Metro stations to commercial hubs and towns in a 10-km radius. The metro agency was keen on roping in KSRTC’s low-floor buses and a few private buses as metro’s feeder service. KMRL is keen on operating electric feeder buses from metro stations since operators of 650 private buses having city permits have not yet formed a company as suggested by the metro agency. The Union Urban Development Ministry is keen on encouraging feeder buses from metro corridors to lessen dependence on private vehicles. Waterway feederAnother fleet of electric buses will operate feeder services (mostly in islands around Kochi) for the 78 air conditioned ferries that will be introduced by the metro agency.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) which is toying with the idea intends to finalise plans by August, three months prior to the metro’s commissioning. “The cost of buses has been included in the project cost. Their routes and other details will be finalised based on a study being done by Delhi-based Urban Mass Transport Company (UMTC). The buses will be introduced in a phased manner,” an official said. The buses will have similar colour as that of metro coaches and will initially operate feeder services to the international airport, Thopumpady, Tripunithura, Kakkanad.
The Union Urban Development Ministry is keen on encouraging feeder buses from metro corridors to lessen dependence on private vehicles. Waterway feeder Another fleet of electric buses will operate feeder services (mostly in islands around Kochi) for the 78 air conditioned ferries that will be introduced by the metro agency. The ferries in turn are expected to act as a feeder service to increase footfalls in Kochi Metro. KMRL is keen on operating electric feeder buses from metro stations since operators of 650 private buses having city permits have not yet formed a company as suggested by the metro agency. The metro agency was keen on roping in KSRTC’s low-floor buses and a few private buses as metro’s feeder service. Operating under a company and rerouting buses from the metro corridor are crucial to ensure feasible operation of these buses when a bulk of passengers are expected to shift to the metro. “We are all for forming a company to oversee operation of private buses. We also welcome the proposal to include buses in the multi-modal smart card proposed by KMRL.
