No fare hike right away, but not ruling it out if fuel prices continue to rise: PMPML CMD

Pune: PMPML is not considering an immediate fare hike despite rising CNG prices piling pressure on operating costs. However, a decision on the same could be taken soon if fuel prices continue to climb, the transport utility’s CMD Mahesh Awhad told TOI on Thursday.

“There was a hike in fares last year, so we are not looking at an immediate move in this regard. The fuel price situation is being monitored closely. It is a wait-and-watch game for now. Based on the developments, a further call will be taken,” said the chairman and managing director Awhad.

At present, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) operates 1,160 buses running on compressed natural gas (CNG) and 233 diesel buses. Sources in the transport body said they require around 90,000kg of CNG and roughly 6,000 litres of diesel daily to operate the fleet.

Prices of both diesel and CNG have recorded multiple hikes in the past two weeks. While CNG prices were hiked for the second time on Wednesday, diesel and petrol prices have been hiked four times already and a further increase is expected.

Awhad added, “We are trying to take some steps to ensure fuel-saving and encourage use of public transportation. Directions have been given to all staff to travel to work and home on buses every Monday, including me. Simultaneously, we are focusing on short-term measures to improve commuter experience and attract more passengers, including strict adherence to bus schedules and better cleanliness in vehicles.”

He said, “With the austerity measures suggested by govt, a rise in daily passenger traffic can be expected in buses and PMPML is trying to capitalize on this. At the moment, close to 90% buses are running on schedule, as per our findings and data collection. This needs to continue.” Official data shows that since May 5, daily passenger traffic in buses had gone up to more than 10 lakh from the earlier 9 lakh, barring a few days.

“We have also introduced ‘bus shuffling’, wherein we are identifying routes that witness more and less traffic. Some schedules from the latter routes are decreased and these buses are put on routes with more footfall. This will ensure that busy routes get buses at regular intervals and waiting time is reduced for passengers,” said Awhad.

Commenting on the possibility of a bus fare hike in future, PMP Pravasi Manch activist and regular PMPML bus commuter Sanjay Shitole said it is not a solution. “People are already suffering from the effects of inflation and should not have to face even more pressure. Instead, PMPML’s fleet size needs to increase urgently and efforts should be concentrated on it,” he told TOI.

Wakad resident and regular PMPML commuter Prashant Ailwad also pointed out that claims about buses being on time are not correct. “Travellers can still be seen waiting long durations for buses. The buses are dirty and present many other hassles, too. The main problem remains that of breakdowns. PMPML needs to understand and rectify these issues if they want to see passenger increase,” he said.

The CMD also said that in this calendar year, a total of 1,715 new buses (1,600 CNG buses and 115 e-buses) will be added to the fleet. “In the next calendar year, PMPML will get 1,000 e-buses from two companies as part of a Central scheme. These new buses should solve many problems,” he said.