Transport authorities are planning to start shared autorickshaw services from Metro stations to ensure last-mile connectivity for people using the rapid transit system.
Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) representatives on Thursday said a two-day survey would be conducted from Friday, during which the operational Metro stations would be checked. A meeting with all stakeholders, including autorickshaw unions, city police and MahaMetro authorities, has been held.
“During the survey, we will check the space available around the operational Metro stations for parking of autorickshaws. Based on the observations, a decision will be taken on whether to allow parking spaces for shared autorickshaws or start any pick-and-drop service. Last-mile connectivity from Metro stations is crucial for the commuters. Some PMPML buses have started such services,” Pune deputy regional transport officer Sanjiv Bhor told TOI.
In Pune, shared autorickshaw services are not allowed. Some autorickshaws, however, operate in small localities on the basis of shared services, albeit illegally. As per the suggestions made by the Khatua committee, the fare to any location has to be increased by 30% if shared auto service is initiated and three passengers have to share the total fare. In any autorickshaw in the city, a maximum of 3 passengers can commute.
“The Regional Transport Authority , headed by the collector, can earmark some stands from where to-and- from destinations can be fixed for autorickshaw drivers for the ‘share’ services,” said Keshav Kshirsagar, president of Baghtoy Rickshawala, a autorickshaw union.
