Hyderabad Metro Rail’s Phase-II is still stuck in planning, while Phase-I runs over capacity with no new trains in sight. Commuters are now urging the South Central Railway (SCR) to improve the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS). They want more frequent and punctual MMTS services to fill gaps along the city’s busy suburban routes. Currently, about 80 MMTS trains serve routes connecting Hyderabad and Secunderabad with suburbs like Falaknuma, Lingampally, and Medchal. This carries around 60,000 passengers daily, down from 121 services and 1.5 lakh capacity before Phase-II. V. Kumar, a public sector employee, says, “It is no longer possible to travel by metro during peak hours. MMTS can fill the gap if Railways and the government act, as it will take a few years for metro rail extension.” SCR officials report trains now arrive every 45 minutes during peak hours but still face delays of 15 to 20 minutes. They run 14 rakes with nine coaches each. Commuters want more trains on Saturdays and better links with the Cherlapalli terminal to catch long-distance trains. Bharat, a private worker, requests more trains via Suchitra Junction and Neredmet, while others seek services connecting Cherlapalli to Lingampally and other routes. Passengers note a lack of service from 8:40 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Secunderabad-Medchal and want daytime trains to serve vendors, small businesses, and flexible commuters. Krishna, a regular rider, says, “Stations look desolate with no trains through the day.” Senior citizen Mohammed wants three to four daytime trains on Umdanagar-Falaknuma-Lingampally route to help passengers catch day-time long-distance trains. Regulars also want restoration of delayed train timings and improved station facilities including better access, dedicated platforms, and stronger security for women’s coaches. SCR blames low ridership on operational challenges, metro efficiency, free bus travel, and bike taxis despite low fares starting at ₹5. Secunderabad station upgrades have also disrupted services. Commuters push back strongly. Rakesh asks, “What is the point of spending ₹1,100 crore on MMTS Phase-II or ₹400 crore on extensions if services are not run on schedule?” A. Muralikrishna adds, “MMTS will be the go-to transport if services improve. It is cheap, eco-friendly, and can reduce road congestion and air pollution.” If SCR listens and publicises improvements well, Hyderabad’s MMTS could become a vital public transport lifeline once again. All eyes are on the new MMTS timetable coming soon.