Metro’s weekday average surpasses pre-COVID-19 level

Last week, nearly 1.31 lakh commuters used the rapid transport system; the number was nearly 1.25 lakh before the pandemic struck

Chennai Metro Rail’s weekday average passenger traffic crossed the pre-COVID-19 levels last week, with nearly 1.31 lakh commuters taking a ride.

Before the pandemic struck, the weekday average stood at nearly 1.25 lakh. But the poor patronage at the weekends used to pull the weekly average down to nearly 1.15 lakh. But the introduction of mini-buses at four stations as the last-mile link has had a positive impact, officials say.

After the tie-up between Chennai Metro Rail Limited and Metropolitan Bus Corporation, 12 mini-buses were introduced at four stations on November 30. Buses S82 and S84 head from the Alandur station to Madipakkam and Porur respectively; S69 and S56 head from the airport to Kundrathur and Manali respectively; S56 take passengers from the Tiruvottiyur station to Manali; and S60 and S51 go from the Koyambedu station to Maduravoyal and Nolambur respectively.