In order to make commuting convenient, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has proposed to display Metro train service timings at bus shelters near stations. It intends to also display on trains, the details of bus routes available from the stations on the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar line.
The MMRDA has discussed this proposal with the BEST, which operates the city's public bus system, and together they are working out how to implement the facility effectively.
"Information on the Metro service timings and bus route options would help commuters plan their onward journey better," said Dilip Kawathkar, spokesperson of MMRDA.
The proposal is part of the larger 'Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme' (SATIS), according to which the space below Metro stations is to be decongested by keeping hawkers out.
Parking or even stopping in the area will not be allowed. Even bus stops have been moved some distance away from the stations for better crowd and traffic management in the station area.
There are 12 stations on the 11.4km corridor. A stretch of 330 metres has been marked out below the stations under SATIS. A total of 21 metro trains will operate from 5am to midnight.
Trials are underway to check the frequency and punctuality of services that are planned to operate with a gap of three minutes.
The Research Design and Standards Organisation is expected to submit its report on a battery of tests on various operating systems conducted recently. Thereafter, the Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety will undertake the safety certification.
