New PMPML Rule To Slash Wages After Breakdowns Sparks Outrage: 'Don’t Blame Us For Faulty Buses,' Say Drivers

Anger is brewing among Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) bus drivers and fitters after the authorities introduced a new rule recently. According to the rule, half of their daily wages will be deducted if a bus breaks down on the road. Even a tyre puncture will be considered a bus breakdown, states the rule.

The PMPML bus drivers have condemned the rule, claiming this is illogical. They argue that drivers should not be considered responsible for technical failures. Speaking to The Free Press Journal, the drivers requested not to publish their names, claiming seniors could take action against them.

'This is completely unfair'

A 40-year-old driver deployed at Upper Bibwewadi bus depot said, “This is completely unfair. We are not mechanics who can control every technical fault. If an engine fails or a tyre bursts, how is it our fault? Instead of fixing the buses and adding new buses to the fleet, the authorities are putting all the burden on us.”

'They should think twice before applying such rules'

Another driver highlighted that PMPML buses are poorly maintained, sometimes using old spare parts. “Firstly, the roads are not good. Secondly, we are also forced to carry more passengers, not talk rudely with passengers, and the conductor struggles to identify who has taken a ticket or not in the crowded bus. We are also pressured to arrive on time. Although we are trying our best despite facing such issues and traffic jams, the PMPML has imposed other rules on us by cutting our daily wages, which is extremely unfair. They should think twice before applying such rules.”

'Why are Regional Transport Officers not taking action?'

Another driver deployed at Katraj depot, in frustration, said, “The seating and standing capacity of a bus is approximately 50 only, but we are forced to carry over 100 passengers. Roads and routes are in terrible condition, yet we are the ones who have been lined up to face punishment when things go wrong. Why are Regional Transport Officers not taking action against them for exceeding the passenger limit in the bus?”

'Putting such pressure on drivers is a threat to passenger safety'

Abhijeet Sable, President of Rashtravadi Maharashtra General Kamgar Union, Lokshahi Annabhau Sathe Depot, speaking to FPJ, said, “Putting such pressure on the drivers, conductors, and fitters is unfair. Driving the buses on the road is not easy. Putting such pressure on drivers is a threat to passenger safety. Rules are mandatory for every organisation, and action should be taken, but not before an investigation. A dedicated team needs to find out the exact cause of the bus breakdowns, and action should be taken accordingly. Already, due to a minimum staff, the drivers are not taking sanctioned leave."

“The number of new buses and drivers should be increased to maintain the capacity and manage the crowd in the bus. Overloaded buses and potholes lead to more breakdowns of PMPML buses. Instead of solving such issues, authorities are imposing such strict rules. We are not here to claim any false breakdown or be a reason for inconvenience to the passengers. We are always dedicated to dropping them safely. Authorities need to understand and withdraw such a decision. Before applying such rules, PMPML needs to discuss with the union," he added.

'Decision taken after a thorough investigation'

Meanwhile, Nitin Narvekar, Joint Managing Director of PMPML, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, “Rash and negligent driving is also a reason for the breakdowns of the buses on the road. Senior officials have taken this decision after a thorough investigation. Accordingly, action will be taken. And absolutely, the decision will reduce the number of bus breakdowns.”