Kochi: The KSRTC will deploy 80 low-floor buses as ‘Kochi Metro special feeder services’ from Monday to provide last-mile connectivity to the Metro commuters. “The buses will operate based at Edapally and Aluva stations. From 5 a.m. to 10.30 p.m, 80 buses, both AC and non-AC, would conduct services to various destinations,” a senior KSRTC official said. A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting held by the KSRTC officials with Kochi Metro Rail Ltd authorities on June 13.
“We expect a lot of joyriders from across the state to come and experience Metro travel along with their families in the initial few months. Hence, we’ve asked the KSRTC to operate during this period, especially based out of Aluva, Edapally and Kalamassery Metro stations,” sources said. The routes will include Aluva-Angamaly, Aluva-Perumbavur, Aluva-North Paravur and Edapally- Fort Kochi/ Mattancherry (via Container Road) among others.
The KSRTC will also deploy an official at all the 11 Metro stations to provide information about the KSRTC bus services. “We’ve already appointed two special officers and a co-ordinator under the Ernakulam assistant transport officer to co-ordinate the bus services,” the official said. The corporation has also set up a WhatsApp group ‘KSRTC-KOCHI METRO FEEDER SERVICE’ including all employees entrusted with the feeder service. “It will help in better deployment of services. For instance the nearest bus can be asked to come to a particular Metro station where more commuters are waiting for connecting service. Also buses ending services at various parts like Kaloor can be extended to the nearest Metro station,” the official said.
