The Pune Metro is preparing to introduce a dedicated feeder bus network to strengthen last-mile connectivity and lift commuter numbers. Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd has acknowledged that passenger response has been below projections and has sought proposals from companies to operate Pune Metro branded feeder buses. The initiative is planned to make metro travel more convenient from passengers' doorsteps and to broaden the rail system's catchment.

Average daily ridership currently stands at 0.188 million (mn) and is projected to rise to 0.275 million (mn) after the Pink Line is operational. Officials said a detailed project report will examine whether to deploy a mini bus or an eight-seater for feeder duties and that a pilot will run at one or two stations. Vehicle numbers will be set after an origin?destination survey of commuters.

The target frequency for feeder services is every five to 10 minutes and stops should be within 25 metres of passengers' origins or destinations to ensure ease of access. Pune Metro has been coordinating with Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd to integrate municipal bus services and to prioritise PMPML on key corridors following route rationalisation. Agreements have been reached with auto?rickshaw unions and a public bike rental company to complement buses, and private firms have begun shuttle services for employees.

A feeder link from Ramwadi station to the airport has been started and feeder operations now serve 11 stations on 23 routes with 85 PMPML buses, of which 45 are branded as metro feeders. Two e-buses operate for staff between Ramwadi and IT parks and 30 e-scooters have been launched from Anandnagar station to MIT University. Metro services currently run between PCMC and Swargate and between Vanaz and Ramwadi while the Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar line is due to open soon and several extensions are under way.