How about some more feeder buses?

Khushi, a student of class 11, considers herself lucky on days autorickshaw drivers agree to drop her off at Greater Kailash 2 from Nehru Place Metro station. She has to shell out between Rs 50 to Rs 60 on any day. If the fare goes any steeper, she resorts to the last option: walking.

Last-mile connectivity continues to be a major problem in the capital. Even though there are feeder buses plying from the Metro stations, commuters feel they cannot rely on their frequency. Also, the bus routes are limited. While battery-operated rickshaws are available from some Metro stations at cheaper rates, for many returning from work is marked by haggling with autorickshaw drivers who refuse to ply by meter.

The existing routes of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, though expansive, fails to connect the city.

“It is usually around 8.30 by the time I return from my French class. Commuting from the Metro station to my PG (paying guest) accommodation is a problem every evening. I end up paying double the amount of the actual fare. Even though it is quite a walk, I have no alternative on some days,” says Khushi.

“There are times when I book a cab on Ola or Uber through the share option from my class at Lodhi Road to GK-2, if the rate is cheap during that time,” adds the teenager from Meerut.

Connectivity is not a problem specific to the posh areas. Returning home is a nightmare for those living in colonies situated far from Metro stations and bus stops. For many, getting home remains a challenge with changing at least two modes of transport and walking down the last stretch.

Sujata, a resident of Tughlakabad village, says the ride back from the nearest Metro station, Govindpuri, to her home involves first taking a battery-operated auto and then an overcrowded Gramin Sewa auto.

“I have to pay at least Rs 15 for the two rides. But during night hours, the drivers of the Gramin Sewa autos and the battery-operated rickshaws overcharge. Plus, the walk from where the autos drop us to the colony is another 15 minutes,” says Sujata, who works as a domestic help.

Putting up in colonies in remote areas is a major problem for a major chunk of the population that has to depend on public transport.

The existing options for last-mile connectivity fall short in the capital, feel commuters. “The feeder buses would come to aid if the frequency is improved. Otherwise, we end up taking an auto after waiting for a long time for these buses to arrive,” says Nivedita kapoor, a PhD student at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

For Nivedita, the nearest Metro station from her JNU hostel is Hauz Khas. “I am usually charged around Rs 60 for an auto ride from the Metro station to the hostel. At a glance, this amount may not feel like a pinch on the pocket. But when you travel to and fro from the Metro station daily this amount adds up to a significant sum,” she says.

Those who own private vehicles and would like to park their cars at Metro stations and take a train to work, the experience is no better.

“The situation in south Delhi is extremely messy at the moment with the ongoing Metro construction work. People prefer not to travel by car due to the heavy traffic. However, commuting by Metro is not easy either,” says Amisha, a resident of South Extension.

“If I decide to take the Metro from AIIMS, INA or Green Park, then the major issue is the lack of parking lots at these Metro stations. When I think of settling for an autorickshaw, they do not charge anything less than Rs 50 and refuse to ferry passengers by meter. There is no pocket-friendly solution. Frequent feeder buses with good connectivity can resolve the existing problems,” says Amisha.

Commuters say the government should deploy marshals as promised outside Metro stations. With several Metro stations having a deserted look at night, travellers feel unsafe. Deploying marshals would also help in dealing with autorickshaw drivers.
“Deploying marshals would also keep a check on autorickshaw drivers charging commuters exorbitantly, besides making the areas safer,” the South Extension resident adds.

“There are practically no feeder buses available after 9 pm. Even if it is a compromise with safety, I end up hopping into an auto with another passenger who is going on the same route. The autorickshaw driver makes double or triple the amount from one trip and show less reluctance in ferrying commuters in this case,” says Nishika (name changed).

Last-mile connectivity becomes the biggest challenge during the monsoon. With waterlogged areas near the Metro stations and heavy traffic, autodrivers refuse to ferry passengers even at exorbitant fares.

“The situation is the worst when it rains.  There are autorickshaw drivers at the Metro stations but they refuse to ferry you. I have paid Rs 100 for a distance that is Rs 50 by meter. But in several instances, I have waited at Metro stations for over an hour as the autorickshaw drivers would not take you to the destination even by overcharging you, if the route does not suit them or if there is traffic,” says Priyanka Roy, a resident of Kalkaji DDA area.