A week after the two new Metro lines started in the western suburbs, changing the dynamics of commuting, transport experts, commuters and stakeholders have made a number of observations and a host of suggestions to further improve the services. “There have been many small and big changes since the new lines started. Auto rickshaw drivers have started to ply on shorter distances. They have started to wait below metro stations in anticipation of last mile connectivity. I have also observed a marginal increase in BEST bus speeds and in fact, feeder routes to metro stations will help increase metro passenger numbers. Slowly, the acceptance of Metro lines is picking up, probably because the cheaper ticket is attracting one and all. The travel speed of Mumbai Metro trains seems much slower in comparison to that of Delhi as some have commented. It can be further picked up to reduce travel time,” Dhaval Shah, co-founder of Lokhandwala-Oshiwara Citizens’ Association, said.

‘Good connectivity’

“I would like to thank the present government for having given us a New Year gift by starting the second phase of Metro Line 2A and Line 7. In the years to come, Mumbai will replicate Delhi as far as connectivity is concerned. The second phase of the two metro lines made life easier and the ride affordable and convenient for the common man,” said consumer and human rights activist and transport expert  Mohammed Afzal.