Pune: The Regional Transport Authority’s (RTA) decision to introduce shared autorickshaw feeder services from all Pune Metro stations has received cautious support from auto unions. They stated that the initiative will succeed only if backed by proper infrastructure, a clear fare structure and coordinated implementation.Union leaders pointed out that a similar initiative by the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) earlier this year failed because of poor planning.Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Baghtoy Rickshawaala union, said the earlier project had generated enthusiasm among commuters and drivers but quickly fizzled out.“There were no designated autorickshaw bays near Metro stations, no clarity on fares and no proper planning. If the authorities want this initiative to succeed, the groundwork has to be completed first,” he told TOI.Commuters said the lack of organised last-mile connectivity often left them at the mercy of autorickshaw drivers.IT professional Pravin Rajaram recently travelled from Nigdi to Ramwadi by Metro before heading to Pune airport.“I could not find the feeder PMPML airport bus outside the station. Autorickshaw drivers offered to take me to the airport but refused to use the meter and demanded a flat Rs 200. Since I had a flight to catch, I had no choice but to pay,” he said, adding that the autorickshaw fare exceeded the cost of his Metro journey.Shivajinagar resident Vishal Angal had a similar experience after alighting at Pune station’s Metro station. “I had to travel to Dhole Patil Road. Despite several autorickshaws being available, none offered a shared ride. After a long argument, I paid Rs 150. Unless the administration clearly defines fares and operational norms, commuters will continue to be overcharged,” he said.Pune deputy RTO Swapnil Bhosle said the responsibility for creating the required infrastructure now lies with Pune Metro.””The RTO will finalise fares based on distance, while Metro authorities have to provide designated parking spaces, signage and other facilities. A decision on the fare structure will be taken soon,” he said.Another RTO official said cooperation among autorickshaw unions would also be crucial.“The previous initiative largely failed because different unions could not work together. They need to be on the same page if the objective is to provide seamless last-mile connectivity,” the official said.Nitin Pawar, general secretary of Rickshaw Panchayat, said unions had not yet been consulted on the proposed fare structure. “We have discussed issues such as parking spaces and routes with Metro authorities, but fare discussions have not taken place. Without proper consultation, there will be dissatisfaction among drivers,” he said.Pawar also reiterated the union’s demand to shift the prepaid autorickshaw booth at AeroMall back to the airport’s arrival area, where passengers can access it more conveniently.Daily commuter Kalash Bhaate said poor last-mile connectivity remains one of the Metro’s biggest shortcomings.“Except at SNDT Metro station, there is hardly any organised system. At most stations, autorickshaw drivers either refuse short-distance trips or quote arbitrary fares. The Metro journey does not end at the station; reaching the final destination is equally important,” he said.
