Daily commuters in Pune continue to face severe inconvenience as a shortage of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) buses has led to extreme overcrowding. Moreover, these overcrowded buses often break down on the road, causing more inconvenience to passengers.
'Sometimes it feels impossible to even breathe'
Sandesh Borate, a frequent passenger, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, “PMPML buses have become unsafe and exhausting. We are literally packed like sardines inside the buses. Sometimes it feels impossible to even breathe. Forget comfort; even safety is at risk. Moreover, the RTO officials are taking action against common people, but why have they turned a blind eye to the government-run transport bodies?”
Meanwhile, PMPML has recently implemented a new law stating that if buses are found to have broken down on the road, half of the driver’s daily wages will be cut.
'We are forced to carry over 100 passengers'
A bus driver deployed at Katraj depot, speaking on the condition of anonymity to FPJ, said, “The seating and standing capacity of a bus is approximately 50 only, but we are forced to carry over 100 passengers. Roads are in terrible condition, yet we are the ones who have been lined up to face punishment when things go wrong. Why is RTO not taking action against PMPML for exceeding the passenger limit in the bus?”
'So far, no direct action has been taken'
FPJ contacted Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, for his explanation on the overcrowding norms. He said, “Overcrowding in PMPML buses is against safety norms. But sometimes, on a few routes, the buses are not frequent, leading to more passengers. However, so far, no direct action has been taken, but we are coordinating with PMPML to address the issue.”
'It is a clear violation of the law'
Based on anonymity, one of the PMPML officials speaking to FPJ said the crisis stems from a severe shortage of buses. “The number of buses is not enough to meet the daily passenger demand. Overcrowding is not only troubling commuters but is also one of the main reasons for frequent breakdowns. In normal buses, according to the rule, 15 to 17 persons are allowed to stand apart from the fixed seats. But the actual number is three times that. Buses with a 35-seat capacity are taking in more than 100 to 150 passengers. It is a clear violation of the law, and seniors need to point out these issues.”
