PMPML considering Rs 20 pass for travelling in a day in Pune

Pune: Punekars might soon be able to travel around the city in a day for just Rs 20! The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has proposed to its Board of Directors to make travelling within Pune city for a day, accessible with a pass of Rs 20. The proposal is a part of PMPML’s plan to attract more people to the bus service which has hit a severe setback after the Coronavirus lockdown.

While several people have drifted away from using the bus service due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation, the PMPML Joint Managing Director Dr. Chetana Kerure said that they plan to bring in different levels of daily pass system in order to encourage more people to take the bus instead of using their private vehicle.

“Presently, we have only one daily pass worth Rs 70, which can be used by the people to travel anywhere in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad in a PMPML bus. We have now decided to introduce passes at Rs 20, 40, 50 and 70. The Rs 50 daily pass is the intercity pass which could be used for travelling between Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad in a day,” Kerure said.

She also stated that the PMPML will be introducing a pass system for AC buses as well. “If this is approved, it might give a boost to the PMPML, and more people could be brought back to the buses,” she said.

While speaking to Indie Journal in this regard, Kerure also said that the PMPML has already begun several services in order to encourage bus travel in the city. New bus service ‘Atal’ was started with 5 km travelling, with 5 minutes frequency at Rs 5 ticket fare. Kerure said that the Atal service was receiving a good response. 

Similarly, Abhi bus service was also launched for Pune Airport. “Since flights are still limited, there is not much response to the bus service, but we have received good feedback nevertheless. We are also planning a limited service of AC buses for some long routes, which will have much fewer stops. These will help those travelling long distances,” Kerure added.