Kochi Metro to launch electric bus services; know routes and fares

Kochi: The Kochi Metro is all set to launch the 'Metro Connect' electric bus services from different stations next week. The trial run of the services was done successfully on Friday. In the initial phase, services will be conducted in the following routes: Aluva-Cocin Airport, Kalamassery-Medical College, Kakkanad Water Metro-Kinfra-Infopark, Kakkanad Water Metro-Collectorate, High Court-MG Road Circular, Kadavanthra-KP Vallon Road Circular.

The fare will be Rs 80 on the Aluva-Cocin Airport route. On the other routes, the minimum fare will be Rs 20 for 5 km. The buses will be air-conditioned and have 33 seats each. The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has bought 15 buses for the services.

Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) managing director Loknath Behera said the services have been planned as part of the measures to increase first-mile-last mile connectivity from metro stations.

Charging stations have been set up for the buses at Muttom, Kaloor, Vyttila and Aluva. Tickets can be bought through digital transactions or cash payments. Payments can be made through UPI, Rupay debit card or Kochi1 card also.

Airport route will have services between 20 minutes during rush hours and 30 minutes during non-rush hours. Services on the route will start at 6.45 am. The last service from Airport to Aluva will start at 11 pm.

Service frequency on other routes
Kalamassery-Medical College: Every 30 minutes from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm
Kakkanad Water Metro-Kinfra-Infopark: Every 25 minutes from 8 am to 7 pm
Kakkanad Water Metro-Collectorate: Every 20 minutes from 8 am to 7.30 pm
High Court-MG Road Circular: Every 10 minutes from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm
Kadavanthra-KP Vallon Road Panampilly Nagar: Every 25 minutes from 9 am to 7 pm