Tenders called for last-mile link at Metro stations

Officials at Namma Metro are trying to bring app-based cab and autorickshaw services at all the 40 Metro stations in Phase 1 to bridge the gaps in last-mile connectivity.

Commuters have been complaining that the feeder services provided by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) are inadequate even when there were nearly 150 such services. The BMTC reduced the number of feeder services after it suffered losses due to poor ridership.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), which expects the number of commuters to go up from the current 3.5 to 5 lakh in the next few months, has invited bids from the app-based cab and autorickshaw service providers.

The bidders must have a licence under 'Karnataka On Demand Transportation Technology Aggregator Rules 2016'.  According to the tender document, the technical bids will be opened on March 22. Companies can set up a kiosk near the exit of Metro stations to attract passengers with their offers.

However, it has to be seen whether companies will come forward to shell out money to rent the area at Metro stations. The Uber kiosks at Baiyappanahalli and MG Road had remained idle with hardly any passengers booking cabs from the station. A Metro staffer said the company pulled out its personnel from the kiosk at MG Road following a tepid response.

"We have already provided bikes for rent at several Metro stations and it has proved beneficial to many passengers. We hope autorickshaws and cabs will add to the option, especially to those who are going home after the end of the day," said BMRCL spokesperson U A Vasanth Rao.

DH News Service