The news that in the last 7 months metro train ridership has increased from 2.13 lakh travellers per day in January to 2.66 lakh travellers per day in July has been the subject for discussion for many now.
Point to be noted is that in July, Chennai Central metro station sustained its position as the busiest metro station in Chennai and about 23473 passengers used this metro station every day. It is worth mentioning that Thirumangalam metro station saw an average of 13934 commuters per day.
An average of 13112 passengers per day used Guindy metro station and Airport metro station recorded 13088 commuters per day. It is known that the Airport metro station has been used by the residents from southern Chennai suburbs. In July, Thousand Lights metro station recorded 11219 commuters per day.
With respect to absolute increase in the number of passengers, it is once again the Chennai Central metro station that stands first, registering an average increase of 4144 commuters per day. It is followed by Thousand Lights metro station with 3229 commuters per day. In the third position is Guindy metro station with an additional 3001 commuters per day. This was as per the data from CMRL.
Information gathered is that Shenoy Nagar metro station recorded 45.1percent increase in the ridership and was followed by Nanganallur metro station with 42.8% growth. A growth of 40.6% and 40.4% was witnessed at Arumbakkam metro station and Thousand lights metro station respectively.
Reasons for improved ridership:
The CMRL officials have explained that the expansion of parking spaces, last mile connectivity options like mini buses and electric autos etc were responsible for the improved ridership.
According to an official, the officials from CMRL visited several educational institutions in Chennai and explained about the system plus fares etc. He added that the awareness amongst the students has increased the ridership now in Thousand lights metro station with an average of 11219 commuters per day using this metro station. These commuters include a combination of working professionals from govt as well as private offices plus college students etc.