BENGALURU: Trial runs of trains along the underground corridor of the North-South line between National College and Sampige Road will commence early next week, said Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola.
Trial runs along the South Corridor between National College and Yelachenahalli have been going on since November 2016.
Briefing newspersons after the launch of Uber booking counters at Baiyappanahalli Metro station on Friday, Kharola said, “We are looking at conducting the trials around Ugadi.”
To a question if the trial runs need to be conducted for a minimum distance of 750 km before it goes to the Commissioner of Rail Safety as specified on the BMRCL website, the MD said, “Not necessary. The distance to be covered can vary across different stretches.”
General Manager, Uber, Bengaluru, Christian Freese said, “To ensure popularity of Metro, the last-mile connectivity is crucial and Uber will be providing that at 12 stations. This is the first time in Asia that we are entering into such a tie-up with a Metro corporation.”
Two kiosks each have been provided at Kempe Gowda Metro Station (Majestic), Baiyappanahalli, Mysuru Road, Indira Nagar, Vijayanagar, M G Road, Mantri Mall station, Orion Mall (Sandal Soap Factory), Sir M Visvesvaraya Station (Central College), Jalahalli, Dasarahalli and Hosahalli to book Uber cabs.
Commuters can also book cabs as is generally done via the Uber app through their mobiles. “These stations cover 66 per cent of all Metro commuters,” he added. The fares will be the same as that charged by Uber.