Pune’s public transport operator, PMPML, has reported a windfall in extra revenue on the very first day following a fare hike, even as city residents express frustration over the increased burden on their daily commute. The move comes amid the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) ongoing struggle to balance its ambitious budget with actual revenue collection, sparking debate about the affordability and priorities of public services in the city.
On the day the new fare structure was implemented, PMPML’s coffers swelled significantly, with lakhs in additional income recorded across its bus network. While the exact figures are yet to be officially disclosed, sources within the transport body confirm that the extra earnings far exceeded daily averages seen in previous weeks.
For Pune’s working class, students, and senior citizens, even a modest fare hike can have a disproportionate impact. Many voiced concerns that the increased revenue for PMPML is coming directly at the expense of the city’s most vulnerable residents. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints and calls for greater transparency in how the additional funds will be used.
The fare hike and PMPML’s extra income come at a time when PMC is grappling with a widening gap between its ambitious budget outlays and actual revenue collection. For the financial year 2024-25, PMC reported a record revenue of ₹8,272 crore, but this still fell short of the ₹11,601 crore budget, resulting in a deficit of over ₹3,300 crore. The newly proposed budget for 2025-26 is even higher at ₹12,618 crore, with no new tax hikes planned but an increased focus on user charges and metered services.
A significant portion of the city’s revenue comes from sources like construction permits, property tax, and GST, but public transport remains a crucial service that directly affects daily life for lakhs of Punekars.
Pune’s civic administration faces the challenge of balancing fiscal sustainability with social equity. As PMPML’s profits rise, the spotlight is on how effectively these funds are reinvested to benefit the city’s commuters. Transparent reporting, public consultations, and targeted subsidies for low-income riders could help ensure that public transport remains accessible and fair.
