Days after Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) stated that their drivers and conductors could face suspension for using mobile phones and consuming tobacco and pan masala while driving, a PMPML driver was spotted getting down from the civic bus for a tobacco break.
The bus was going from Mhalunge Gaon to Manapa Chowk in Pune.
The video posted by Pune Mirror, shows him halting the bus near SPPU Chowk to consume tobacco. The bus was parked on the roadside, causing inconvenience and discomfort for the passengers as he was seen buying and consuming tobacco.
PMPML Guidelines
In the past, PMPML has issued strict directives prohibiting its drivers and conductors from using mobile phones, wearing headphones, or consuming tobacco and pan masala while on duty. Violation of these rules results in a two-month suspension, as stated in the transport authority’s earlier circular.
Currently, PMPML has 9,400 drivers, including 4,400 contractual drivers. These drivers frequently come under scrutiny for rash driving, road rage cases, traffic violations, or operating buses without proper route boards or with incorrect route boards. PMPML has repeatedly warned its drivers against violating traffic rules following numerous complaints from commuters and activists.
Additionally, the public transport body regularly receives complaints from citizens, social organizations, and public representatives regarding the rude behavior of drivers and conductors.
To address these complaints, PMPML, through an official circular, instructed drivers and conductors not to use mobile phones while driving, follow traffic rules properly, avoid smoking, park buses near bus stops, maintain lane discipline, and not operate buses at high speed.
Notably, in 2024, Pune traffic police fined 877 PMPML buses a total of Rs 10 lakh for violating traffic rules.
