Reaching metro biggest challenge in Noida, Ghaziabad

Residents of Noida and Ghaziabad, sick of breathing toxic air, have expressed their support for Delhi's odd-even rationing experiment.

But inadequate public transport infrastructure and poor last-mile connectivity are causing them much inconvenience.

Metro and buses are bursting at the seams, while auto-drivers are taking commuters for a ride.

METRO : Yes, there is Metro in Noida and it is gradually emerging as the spine of public transport in the city. But, Metro is yet to reach the interiors of Noida and the trans-Hindon areas of Ghaziabad.

At present, there are only six Metro stations in Noida. But getting to the stations is a big challenge for residents, in the absence of reliable public transport.

Though some cab and shuttle service providers have started services in Noida to provide Metro commuters last-mile connectivity , getting them from the interiors of the city still remains a task.

The six Metro stations together have an average daily footfall of 1.3 lakh commuters. But, with the oddeven rule coming into force, the Metro is also getting crowded. “I keep my car at home every alternate day , but getting to the Metro station often becomes an issue. Auto drivers tend to overcharge,“ said Mohit Agarwal.

AUTOS:

Autos provide good last-mile connectivity , but overcharging, refusing to go and general misbehaviour spoil the experience of people who have been increasingly rely on three-wheelers ever since the odd-even rule has come into effect in Delhi.

There are nearly 14,000 autos in Noida and over 17,000 in Ghaziabad.Only 1,200 autos have been issued NCR permits so far. These auto drivers are also cashing in on the odd-even scheme and overcharging commuters.

On Thursday , TOI carried out realty checks at the Botanic Garden and Sector 18 metro stations. The correspondents approached some 10 NCR auto drivers for a ride to Gurgaon. “Bhai, Rs 900 lagega,“ was the response of an auto driver.

BUSES:

Hanging fire for more than three years, the city bus service between Noida and Greater Noida will be operational from April 2016. Initially, 100 buses will be operated.