Kochi Metro is set to expand its reach by launching electric bus services from the metro stations. Following a series of trial runs over the past few days, the new service, called Metro Connect, is now ready to begin operations from next week.
The buses will initially serve routes connecting Aluva to Cochin International Airport, Kalamassery to the Medical College, High Court to M.G. Road on a circular path, Kadavanthra to K.P. Vallom Road on another circular route, and Kakkanad Water Metro to Infopark. Additional routes include Kinfrapark and the Collectorate.
The fare for the air-conditioned electric buses has been set at ₹80 for a trip between Aluva and the airport, while other routes will have a minimum fare of ₹20 for a five-km ride. The buses offer seating for 33 passengers and come equipped with digital payment facilities, though cash transactions will also be accepted. Payment can be made using UPI, RuPay debit cards, or the Kochi One card.
Services on the Aluva-Airport route are expected to run every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak times, starting at 6.45 am. The last service from the airport is scheduled for 11 pm. On the Kalamassery-Medical College route, buses will operate at 30-minute intervals between 8.30 am and 7.30 pm.
The Kakkanad Water Metro-Infopark route will have buses every 25 minutes from 8 am to 7 pm, while the Kakkanad Water Metro-Collectorate route will offer services at 20-minute intervals from 8 am to 7.30 pm. The High Court-M.G. Road Circular route is expected to have buses every 10 minutes from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm, and the Kadavanthra-K.P. Vallon Road Circular route will run every 25 minutes between 9 am and 7 pm.
The operation of these services will be supported by charging stations at Muttom, Kaloor, Vyttila, and Aluva. According to officials from Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), 15 electric buses have been procured to address first-mile and last-mile connectivity issues and enhance accessibility for passengers travelling to and from metro stations.