In a bid to bolster last-mile connectivity for commuters accessing Pune Airport via public transportation, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) initiated a bus feeder service from Ramwadi metro station promptly following the inauguration of the Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi metro route.
However, recent assessments reveal a tepid response, prompting the PMPML to consider a thorough reassessment of the service’s viability should patronage fail to surge within the next two months. The current utilisation data paints a sobering picture, with only approximately 200 passengers availing themselves of the Ramwadi metro feeder service on a daily basis. This figure starkly contrasts with the initial momentum witnessed, wherein around 50 passengers embraced the service daily upon its launch, gradually climbing to the current tally. Nonetheless, the PMPML aspires to achieve a ridership goal exceeding 400 passengers per day, a target yet to be realised. Operational details delineate two distinct routes facilitating connectivity between Ramwadi metro station and Pune Airport, each offering stops at key locales along the way. The route via Sakore Nagar encompasses essential stops including Hyatt Hotel, Wakefield Company, and Viman Nagar, among others, with fares ranging between ₹5 to ₹10 contingent upon distance traversed. Similarly, the alternative route via Sanjay Park Lane caters to passengers with stops at Maruti Suzuki Showroom Sakore Nagar and Checkmate Hotel, mirroring the fare structure of its counterpart.
Acknowledging the nascent stage of the service’s deployment, the PMPML traditionally grants new routes a grace period of approximately two months to ascertain public response before deliberating its continuation or discontinuation. Encouragingly, other bus feeder services within the PMPML network have garnered favorable responses, fostering optimism regarding the potential resurgence of the Ramwadi metro feeder service. Amidst deliberations, it’s imperative to underscore the resounding success of the Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi metro route, boasting a remarkable ridership exceeding 60,000 passengers since its inauguration on March 6th. This juxtaposition underscores the dynamic landscape of public transit initiatives, emphasising the criticality of adaptability and strategic foresight in aligning services with evolving commuter demands. In essence, the PMPML’s meticulous scrutiny of the Ramwadi metro feeder service exemplifies a proactive approach towards optimising transit networks, ensuring seamless connectivity while maximising resource efficiency in pursuit of enhanced commuter experiences.
