Pune, 23 June 2025: Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has seen a big jump in its daily income after increasing bus fares from June 1. However, this has also led to a slight drop in the number of daily passengers, as some people are now choosing other modes of transport.

Before the fare hike, in May 2025, PMPML buses carried an average of 10.14 lakh passengers daily, bringing in ₹1.42 crore every day. In the first two weeks of June, after the new fares were applied, the number of daily passengers dropped to 9.99 lakh but daily revenue rose sharply to ₹2.11 crore.

Commuters Unhappy with Higher Fares

Many regular bus users are unhappy with the sudden rise in ticket prices, especially since some routes still lack proper service. Sanjay Shitole from the PMPML Passenger Forum said, “PMPML should have improved bus services first. In some areas, people pay ₹20 for a very short trip, which is not fair. Passengers have complained many times but nothing has changed.”

A bus ride from Pimpri to Ramwadi now costs ₹50, while the same journey by metro costs only ₹35. Because of this, many daily commuters are shifting to the metro, which is faster, cheaper, and more comfortable—especially during the monsoon season and rush hours.

Steps to Improve Service

PMPML officials have said they are working on different ways to make bus travel better. Satish Gawhane, Executive Manager (Operations) at PMPML, said, “We know there are problems. We are adding special buses for women, working with the police for safety, and adding more buses to our fleet. This will help us serve more people soon.”

To make the fare hike more manageable, PMPML has also changed its pass rates. Weekly passes now cost ₹70 or ₹150, and monthly passes have also become more expensive to cover running costs.

While the fare hike has helped PMPML earn more money, transport experts and passengers say the focus should be on keeping bus travel affordable and comfortable so that people do not have to switch to other options.