Mini Buses Bridge Last-Mile Gap for Periyanaickenpalayam Train Passengers

rapid Summary

• mini bus services are effectively addressing the connectivity needs of passengers traveling to and from Periyanaickenpalayam railway station.
• These buses are particularly helpful for passengers commuting via MEMU trains at the station, providing a more affordable option to autorickshaws.
• The distance between Periyanaickenpalayam railway station and the town’s bus stand is approximately 1.5 km.Some commuters used to either walk or hire autorickshaws, especially during peak hours in the morning and evening.
• The mini bus service operates on a timed schedule that aligns with MEMU train timings; it reaches the railway station 10 minutes before an early morning train passes at 8:38 a.m., starting from Kamanaickenpalayam at 8 a.m.
• Similarly,it facilitates passengers returning in the evening from Coimbatore around 6 p.m.
• following passenger advocacy initiatives led by the Periyanaickenpalayam Railway Passengers’ Association, this service has been introduced post-COVID lockdown disruptions when previous bus services were discontinued.
• Tickets for these mini buses cost ₹5 per trip, making them highly cost-efficient according to association president M. Jaikumar.

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Indian opinion Analysis
The introduction of mini bus services catering specifically to train commuters in Periyanaickenpalayam highlights practical urban transport planning aimed at improving last-mile connectivity in smaller towns like this one near Coimbatore. This affordable solution-offering rides for just ₹5-addresses both economic concerns and logistical challenges faced by daily commuters without personal vehicles.

Restoring such services after pandemic disruptions reflects responsiveness on part of authorities as well as sustained advocacy efforts led by organizations like the local Railway Passengers’ Association.Aligning public transit modes (like buses) with frequently used schedules (like MEMU train timings) demonstrates how strategic planning can directly enhance convenience while reducing dependency on higher-cost options such as autorickshaws.

This initiative could serve as an example for other small-town railway nodes across india where fragmented transport systems add stress to daily commutes. It also underscores how improved coordination between state transport agencies and local stakeholders can deliver effective low-cost solutions tailored for specific community needs.