Metro commuters’ grouse over shuttle services

Commuters using the Chennai Metro Rail’s shuttle services between the Pallavaram parking facility and the Chennai airport (Tirusulam) station have raised concerns over waiting time, lack of queue regulation and the circuitous route the vehicles currently take.

Since February, CMRL has been operating share-autos from the multi-level parking lot at Pallavaram to provide last-mile connectivity. The service is used every day by hundreds of passengers travelling from areas such as Tambaram, Selaiyur, Chitlapakkam, Pammal and Pozhichalur. While the facility has eased access to the Metro, several challenges continue, users say.

Crowding during rush hour

CMRL presently operates four share-autos that can hold up to 10 passengers each, beginning early in the morning and going on until 9 p.m. Commuters however say overcrowding during peak hours, particularly by return in the evening at Tirusulum, has become routine.

Though a self-regulated queue is followed at the Pallavaram pick-up point, the same system is absent at the Tirusulam Metro station, leading to disorderly boarding.

“Last week, I could not get into the share-auto as several youngsters pushed ahead. I did not have the strength to compete and had to wait for the next vehicle,” says Ananthasayanam, a senior citizen who commutes to Government Estate.

Women commuters observe that the cramped seating arrangements add to the discomfort. “We find it extremely difficult to sit on the back seats, and even the two seats near the driver are uncomfortable,” says Shahina, who travels to the High Court. She suggests that CMRL consider using maxi-cab-type vehicles to improve comfort.

Concerns over the route

Another issue flagged by commuters is the roundabout route taken by the shuttle via Pallavaram Shandy Road to reach GST Road, instead of directly exiting from the parking lot. “This adds a few extra minutes to the travel,” says Ebanezer, a regular user.

CMRL officials note the deviation was introduced because the entrance to the parking lot along GST Road is too narrow to accommodate a waiting shuttle, which could obstruct traffic. Highway authorities had therefore recommended the alternate route, they add.

Larger vehicles ruled out

CMRL officials say the shuttle fleet will be increased from four to six vehicles shortly. However, they clarify that maxi-cabs are not being considered.

“The present autos are about three metres long, allowing faster movement and easier turns on the narrow stretches. Maxi-cabs are nearly five metres long and may delay operations, which would not be in commuters’ interest,” says an official. Despite this, some commuters express the need for a substantial upgrade. “After enjoying the comfort of the Metro, taking the shuttle feels like getting off an Airbus only to board a rickshaw,” says Shahina, reflecting sentiments shared by others.

Queue regulation

To address the lack of order at boarding points, CMRL plans to involve volunteers from organisations such as the NCC and NSS to regulate queues at Tirusulam. “This will likely be introduced by the end of January,” an official says.

Commuters, while appreciative of the Metro’s overall services, remark that they hope these operational issues will be resolved soon for a smoother transit experience.