The recent fare increase implemented by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has raised significant concerns among daily commuters. The minimum fare for bus rides has doubled from ₹5 to ₹10, while the price of a daily bus pass has surged from ₹40 to ₹70. Additionally, the cost of a monthly pass has escalated from ₹900 to ₹1,500.For many, this hike has come as a shock. Vrajeysh Rokade, a 20-year-old student at DES Pune University, expressed his frustration: “As a student, this fare increase is quite dramatic. I have a limited monthly allowance, and as a film student, I need to travel across the city for recordings. This sudden rise in fares will definitely affect me.
The services aren’t great either; the seats are broken, and the buses are so overcrowded that it’s hard to even stand.”Arya Deshmukh, an 18-year-old student at Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, echoed similar sentiments. “I live in Chinchwad, and PMPML used to be an affordable and convenient option for long-distance travel with a daily pass. But now, it’s becoming too expensive for students like me,” she said.Others, such as Sara Bhat from Fergusson College, highlighted the impact on economically disadvantaged individuals. “I’m fortunate that a hike of ₹5-10 won’t affect me much.
However, my house help travels from Katraj to Navi Peth daily. She doesn’t have the same financial flexibility, and it’s people like her who will be hit the hardest,” she noted.An English professor who utilizes PMPML regularly questioned the timing of the fare revision. “Buses are often late, overcrowded, or don’t show up at all. While we understand that PMPML needs funds to operate, fare hikes should align with visible service improvements.
Public transport is a lifeline for many, and we hope authorities will act to make it more affordable and commuter-friendly,” they said.Vikrant Kadam, a hardware engineer, shared his disappointment: “I travel across the entire city on a PMPML bus daily. This price increase has really pinched my pocket and those of others, especially from the lower middle class. Even after the hike, I haven’t seen any improvement in services; buses are still late, and there’s often no place to sit. It feels unfair to passengers who travel long distances on a tight budget.”In response, a Public Relations Officer from PMPML stated, “The fare hike is a result of inflation and rising costs of CNG, petrol, and diesel. This is the first significant price increase in 12 years.
Follow Us
