Kochi’s ‘Metro Connect’ feeder e-buses to be launched in a week
The Hindu
Kochi Metro's Metro Connect fleet offers electric, air-conditioned buses for seamless travel to key city destinations.
Metro Connect, a fleet of 15 electric, air-conditioned feeder buses of the Kochi metro, will start ferrying commuters from metro stations to the international airport, adjacent commercial hubs, and areas without adequate public transport, from next week.
The launch comes after successful trial runs of the turquoise blue buses on various routes. Equipped with air suspension and 33 seats, these buses offer smooth acceleration, zero air and noise pollution, and a more comfortable experience compared to diesel-powered buses. Media personnel who toured the city on one of these buses reported a pleasant travel experience.
Fare structure
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has fixed ₹20 as the fare for travel up to five km in the regular AC feeder buses, while it will be ₹80 to travel in the lengthier Aluva-international airport corridor in similar buses that have relatively bigger seats. The fare can be paid digitally and by cash.
Routes
Four buses will operate on the Aluva-airport route, running every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak hours, from 6:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. These buses will not have intermediate stops. Additional routes include: Kalamassery-Government Medical College Hospital route (every 30 minutes from 8.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.); High Court-MG Road circular route (every 10 minutes from 8.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.); Kadavanthra-KP Vallon Road-Panampilly Nagar circular route (every 25 minutes from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.); and the Kakkanad Water Metro terminal-Infopark/KINFRA Park/ Collectorate routes (every 25 minutes from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.), said Loknath Behera, MD, KMRL. “These buses will provide first and last-mile connectivity from metro stations,” he added.
The electric buses will be recharged overnight at Muttom and will undergo ‘opportunity charging’ (recharging at short intervals) at Aluva, Kaloor, and Vyttila after covering distances of 150–160 km. Unlike diesel buses, they do not require permits to operate on various routes, said Gokul T.G., additional general manager (Urban Transport), KMRL.
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running Game
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing Game
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic Game
Tragic incident at MRPL as two workers succumb to gas inhalation, while a third is stable after rescue attempt.
Assam Rifles seize ₹112.401 crore worth of methamphetamine tablets in Mizoram, part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal activities.
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai advises Nalsar University graduates to study abroad on scholarships, fix Indian legal system.
EAGLE and NTR Police raid shops near schools, seize tobacco products, urge action against illegal activities.
OnePlus Pad 3, with desktop-grade performance, a laptop-sized display, excellent multitasking software, and long battery life, is built for serious users. With an optional keyboard, and it’s a productivity powerhouse that easily doubles as an entertainment device
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla undergoes 7-day rehab after returning from ISS, conducting experiments to benefit space exploration.
PhysicsWallah partners with YCMOU to offer online classes, real-time doubt resolution, and credit-based degree programs for learners.
Tragic death of a 4.5-year-old boy in a pit dug by RWS authorities, prompting government ex-gratia payment.
Namibian female cheetah Nabha dies at Kuno National Park due to injuries, other cheetahs reported healthy.
Vizhinjam International Seaport celebrates first anniversary with impressive growth, poised for further expansion and connectivity improvements.
Sub-Registrars booked on charges of accepting bribe in Puducherry
TNPSC to debar question setters for politically controversial or communally sensitive questions: Chairman
Enforcement Directorate names NCP MLA Rohit Pawar in MSCB scam charge sheet, alleging fraudulent sale of SSKs.