Chennai, Feb 7: The relocation of outstation bus operations from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyambedu to Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam has led to a noticeable shift in commuting patterns for passengers in Chennai. With the bus operations now centralized in Kilambakkam, there has been a decline in the patronage of metro trains, which were previously popular among passengers traveling to and from CMBT.Traditionally, many passengers relied on metro trains to reach CMBT in Koyambedu before catching buses to their destinations across Tamil Nadu. The metro trains were favored for their speed and efficiency, especially during peak hours when traffic congestion on 100 feet roads leading to CMBT was a common occurrence. Additionally, passengers arriving at Chennai airport, both domestic and international, often opted for metro trains to reach CMBT and subsequently board buses to cities like Madurai, Tenkasi, and Tirunelveli.
However, the shift of bus operations to Kilambakkam has disrupted these commuting patterns, leading to a decline in metro train patronage. According to officials from the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the monthly ridership in January 2024 witnessed a decrease of 6,000 passengers compared to December 2023, with total footfalls registering at 85 lakhs. While the drop in patronage is notable, officials remain optimistic that further declines can be avoided with continued efforts to promote metro train usage.