Pune: Senior citizens will have to wait for a few more weeks before the hike in the price of PMPML’s monthly pass is rolled back.

The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal (PMPML) hiked the price during Chairman and Managing Director Tukaram Mundhe’s tenure, calling it rationalisation of prices. The decision was criticised from all sections of society, and after Mundhe’s transfer, PMPML prepared a proposal to reduce the price at the recently held Board of Directors meeting. However, the proposal will be sent to Regional Transport Authority (RTA) before the final decision is taken.

The monthly pass was hiked from Rs 450 to Rs 700 in August 2017 by Mundhe. But it was not sent to RTA for approval then, citing the reason that the hike was done owing to rationalisation of tickets and passes. But now, PMPML wants to send the proposal for a rollback to the RTA, raising several doubts over its administrative functioning. If the proposal gets approved by RTA, the price would be Rs 500. It was supposed to be implemented from March 1.

PMP Pravasi Manch had opposed the decision and alleged that the rate had been hiked in the name of rationalisation without consent from RTA. “Mundhe had not asked the RTA for final approval of bus pass hike. Now, when it’s time to reduce the bus pass price, they are sending it for approval to RTA,” said members of the Manch.

The Pravasi Manch had started a signature campaign to fight this decision. 

The issue came up in the Board of Directors meeting on February 26, but it decided to send the proposal to RTA. “The reduced bus pass rate was expected to get implemented from March 1, but it didn’t. The PMPML authority is not serious about the issue. It is likely to take another eight to 10 days for the final decision,” said Sanjay Shitole, Secretary of PMP Manch.