Chennai: If you are a Metro train user and parking vehicle at stations, make sure to get a Metro travel card.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has implemented a new rule for the two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking in all its stations. Travellers who use the Metro space must pay the money only through the Metro travel card from this month.
Last month, the CMRL started this provision on a trail basis on selected Metros and from this month they have made it mandatory in all stations.
There are 32 Metro stations in the city and 23 stations have two-wheeler parking and 17 stations have four-wheeler parking, according to CMRL website.
“I was on my way to Koyambedu on a two-wheeler. When I reached Ashok Pillar, the traffic was at peak and I decided to take Metro. But the CMRL employees asked me a Metro travel card if I want to use the parking space,” said S Ashok Kumar, an IT professional.
“CMRL is making it mandatory so that all should buy Metro cards. But what about people like me who use the Metro occasionally. Why should I spend money on Metro card?” he asked.
“The Metro parking is yielding revenue of Rs 2 lakh on daily basis from all stations. We have implemented this rule to make it easier for our employees and also they try to check non-Metro travellers who are using the parking space,” said a senior CMRL official.
The official added that they have ample space in all Metro parking and the new rule has not changed their profit margin. “If they (people) want to use the parking space, they can purchase the card from one of our Metro stations. We are yet to decide on those non-Metro travellers using the space as of now,” the official said.
People can purchase Metro travel card for Rs 150 and they can recharge the card periodically from any Metro stations. The parking fees range between Rs 20 for first three hours and Rs 40 for 3 to 6 hours and the price also differs in selected Metro due to the dependency and availability. The monthly pass for bike in Metro range between Rs 250 and Rs 1,500, and for car the price varies from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 depending on the stations.