Chennai Metro feeder buses will begin connecting commuters to 11 Phase II stations between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani from Sunday, October 11, in a new last-mile service to improve transfers between the city’s bus and rail networks.
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) will operate services from bus stops located near the Chennai Metro Rail stations along the stretch, according to a press release cited by The Hindu. The arrangement is intended to help passengers shuttle between bus and train services while travelling to different parts of Chennai.
The service covers the Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani section of the Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II network. The corridor includes 11 stations, and signage has been installed at all of them to direct passengers to the nearest bus stops.
The move addresses the connection between a Metro station and the surrounding street network, a part of public transport journeys that often determines how easily passengers can access rapid transit. While the Metro provides the main rail connection, commuters still need a convenient link from nearby neighbourhoods, roads and bus stops to complete their journeys.
The MTC said the additional services would allow passengers to shift between buses and Metro trains more easily. The announcement did not specify the number of buses, routes, frequency, fares or operating hours for the feeder services.
The transport corporation and Chennai Metro Rail will also examine the need for additional feeder bus services. That assessment will be based on passenger feedback and demand after the services begin, according to the MTC release.
The introduction of the services comes as Chennai expands its Metro network through Phase II construction. The immediate operation announced by the MTC is limited to the specified stretch from Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani, with the first services scheduled to begin on October 11.
For commuters, the effectiveness of the arrangement will depend on how closely the bus services connect with station access points and Metro operations. The signage installed at the 11 stations is intended to make the transfer points easier to identify. Further changes to the feeder network will be considered by the MTC and Chennai Metro Rail after passenger responses and demand patterns are reviewed.
