The Pune Metro administration is experiencing a growing response to its ‘Ek Pune Card’ and ‘Ek Pune Vidyarthi Pass’ initiatives. As of now, 38,734 residents have adopted the ‘Ek Pune Card’ and 10,444 have acquired the ‘Ek Pune Vidyarthi Pass’. The metro administration is actively promoting these smart cards to encourage more passengers to benefit from the streamlined travel experience they offer.
In a significant achievement, Pune Metro recently surpassed the milestone of 100,000 daily passengers. To facilitate an even smoother travel experience, the administration has provided multiple options for ticket purchases, including offline channels and kiosk machines. The introduction of multipurpose smart cards aims to free passengers from the hassle of standing in daily ticket queues. The ‘Ek Pune Card’ is designed for general passengers and offers a 10% discount from Monday to Friday and a 30% discount on weekends. Meanwhile, the ‘Ek Pune Vidyarthi Pass’ provides students with a 30% discount throughout the week. These benefits have contributed to the growing popularity of these cards, evidenced by the 38,734 ‘Ek Pune Card’ holders and 10,444 ‘Ek Pune Vidyarthi Pass’ holders to date. Passengers can apply for these smart cards either online via the metro website or by submitting an application at metro stations, making the process convenient and accessible.
In addition to these smart card initiatives, Pune Metro has recently launched an Integrated Feeder Bus Service, enhancing connectivity and convenience for commuters. This new service operates from Ramwadi Metro Station to key destinations, including WTC, Gera Commerzone Junction, and EON IT Park in Kharadi. Commuters can access the bus route, stops, fare chart, and timetable to plan their journeys efficiently. Pune Metro has also set new records in passenger numbers. In May 2024, the metro served 2,616,953 passengers, marking its highest monthly ridership yet. Furthermore, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, Pune Metro broke its daily ridership record with 95,669 commuters, highlighting the increasing reliance on metro services for daily transportation needs.
The successful adoption of the ‘Ek Pune Card’ and ‘Ek Pune Vidyarthi Pass’ initiatives reflects Pune Metro’s commitment to enhancing the commuter experience. By offering substantial discounts and simplifying the ticketing process, Pune Metro is making public transport more attractive and accessible to the city’s residents. The introduction of the Integrated Feeder Bus Service further underscores this commitment, providing seamless connectivity and convenience for daily commuters. As Pune Metro continues to innovate and expand its services, the growing ridership figures indicate a positive trend towards sustainable urban mobility. The adoption of smart cards and enhanced connectivity options not only improve the commuting experience but also contribute to reducing traffic congestion and promoting environmental sustainability in Pune.
