Chennai Metro's first-mile push: 220 feeder buses to connect 11 key stations

The Tamil Nadu government has given in-principle approval to roll out first and last mile connectivity (FLMC) services around Phase-I Chennai Metro stations. The initiative, called ‘Metro at the Doorstep’, aims to make metro travel more convenient and attract more commuters. (AI image)

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Transport experts and commuters have welcomed the initiative but stress that feeder services should eventually extend to suburban railway and MRTS stations. They also emphasise the need for charging infrastructure and better route planning to avoid duplication. (AI image)

Currently, 22 minibuses connect these stations but run at intervals of around 20 minutes. Under the new FLMC plan, feeder buses are expected to operate every five minutes, significantly improving convenience and reducing waiting time. (AI image)

The feeder service will initially cover 11 important metro stations including Thirumangalam, Vadapalani, Koyambedu, Guindy, Alandur, Meenambakkam, OTA Nanganallur, St Thomas Mount, Washermenpet, Wimco Nagar and Chennai airport. (AI image)​

With Chennai Metro ridership currently hovering around 3–3.2 lakh passengers daily, the new feeder network aims to encourage more people to shift from private vehicles to public transport by improving connectivity to metro stations. (AI image)

A fleet of 220 feeder vehicles will be deployed in the first phase to connect neighbourhoods with metro stations. This includes 70 small buses with 19 seats and 150 micro buses or vans with 12 seats each, helping commuters easily access metro services. (AI image)

Since Chennai Metro Rail Limited cannot directly run road-based transport under the Motor Vehicles Act, the feeder services will be operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation under a gross cost contract model. (AI image)