The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is rapidly losing the trust of city commuters, as an increasing number of Punekars are opting for the metro for their daily travel.
Poor service quality, rising fares, outdated buses, and increasing incidents of mobile theft have made PMPML the last option to prefer.
While Pune Metro continues to expand and offer clean, air-conditioned, timely, and affordable services, PMPML buses are frequently stuck in traffic, face breakdowns, and there aren’t even shelters for passengers during the rains.
Despite the number of complaints by passengers and the issues highlighted by the media, the condition of PMPML remains the same — even getting worse day by day.
Mahesh Deshmukh, a frequent commuter from Hinjawadi, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, “Mobile theft cases in crowded PMPML buses and at bus stands have risen. I have lost my two mobile phones. In PMPML buses, they have been promising to install CCTV cameras for a long time. However, it hasn't materialised. The bosses are enjoying their AC rooms, but we have to suffer.”
“There are no bus shelters during rain, buses are overcrowded, and staff members are often rude. It is like we are being forced to suffer,” said Suresh Bhujbal, a senior commuter from Hadapsar.
Pallawi Jadhav, another commuter, said, “Despite over 1,700 PMPML buses running daily, the situation on the ground is grim. Of over 4,500 bus stops, barely 1,650 have shelters, and many routes are irregular or delayed. Even daily wage workers, who heavily depend on public transport, are now opting for the metro. The hike in fares and the poor condition of buses are unbearable. Metro is faster, cheaper, and does not break down.”
Meanwhile, Kishor Chavan, Public Relations Officer, PMPML, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, “The average daily footfall in 2024 was 11.25 lakh. However, after the hike in fares, the footfall has decreased to 10.4 lakh in June and 11.10 lakh to date in July. However, this will increase, as more buses will soon be added to the PMPML fleet.”
