After the recent hike in ticket prices of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) buses, the transport body has generated a revenue of ₹8.67 crore within just four days.
On June 1, the revenue was ₹1.97 crore, followed by ₹2.35 crore on June 2, ₹2.24 crore on June 3 and ₹2.11 crore on June 4.
Meanwhile, officials say the hike was necessary due to the rise in fuel, labour costs and other charges. On the other hand, commuters are expressing frustration over poor service, lack of punctuality and overcrowded buses despite paying higher fares.
Swapnali Shinde, a commuter who resides in Kothrud, told The Free Press Journal, "Instead of improving the frequency, they are increasing the fares. Already, we are paying more considering the condition of the buses. Additionally, thieves always target the passengers' belongings. There is no guarantee of security on the buses."
Tejas Pawar, another commuter, highlighted, "As we can see, the PMPML is earning crores in a single day. If PMPML honestly spent a single day's earnings on maintenance, then the breakdowns will be decreased and the public will be attracted towards public transport."
Harshad Abhyankar, an activist, said, "A lot of funds of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are being spent on flyovers and other things instead of spending on new and modern buses. If the ridership decreases at the end of the month, then what is the use of the increment in the fare hike? The increment should be reduced to what it was earlier if the number of passengers decreases."
Kishore Chavan, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of PMPML, informed that the PMPML generated nearly ₹50 crore in revenue in May. After the fare hike, the amount will increase, he added. "The fare was not hiked for the last 11 years, despite the rise in operational costs. In 2014, the CNG rate was ₹49 per litre, and now it's over ₹80 per litre. In addition, electricity charges, staff salaries, and spare parts costs have all increased significantly," Chavan said.
PMPML has received 240 new buses (172 Tata and 58 Ashok Leyland). These buses are being inducted under the GCC (Gross Cost Contract) model. Furthermore, the demand for additional buses has been made to the government, Chavan stated.
