Journalism of Courage
In a move that is likely to boost public transport in the city,the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) on Friday rationalised its fares to multiples of Rs 5.
Several Puneites describe the decision as a historic step that will go a long way in ensuring commuter convenience. Transport experts say the decision will benefit 11 lakh commuters who use the 150 PMPML buses every day.
The issue was taken by PMPML Acting Chairman and Managing Director Shrikar Pardeshi,who worked out a fresh fare structure with JMD Pravin Ashtikar. The decision was announced at a meeting of the PMPML Board of Directors on Friday.
The decision will be implemented after it is approved by the District Transport Authority (DTA). Most probably it will come into force by September, said Pardeshi. The DTA nod is a forgone conclusion in the wake PMPML board decision.
The fare for a distance of 2 km would remain at Rs 5. But for next 4 km,a Re 1 hike has been proposed in a bid to round it to Rs 10. For 10 km stage,the fare has been cut to Rs 13 from Rs 10 and for 16 km stage,the fare will reduce from Rs 17 to Rs 15. The Rs 12 fare has been rounded off to Rs 10, said Ashtikar.
R N Joshi,PMPML Chairman and Managing Director,who was on leave for a month was also present at the meeting where Pardeshi set the agenda. Pardeshi had told Newsline that even after Joshi joins back,he would work hard to improve the functioning of PMPML.
The latest move,Pardeshi said,would incur some loss but in the long run it would benefit the transport body as more commuters would take to public transport. It will reduce the daily friction between commuters and conductors. The PMPML will become more popular among commuters,which in turn would increase its earnings, he said.
Jugal Rathi,convener of PMP Pravasi Manch,termed the latest decision as historic. What Pardeshi has done has not been done by the PMPML since its formation or before that by PMT. We had been urging PMPML to take innovative steps to improve the functioning of PMPML. But all past CMDs have resisted taking any commuter-friendly move. This is by far is the best move and would help PMPML lift itself up, Rathi said.
However,Rathi has two more suggestions for the transport body. He wants a fare cut from Rs 10 to Rs 5 for the 4 km stage.
This,he said,would attract short-distance commutes who currently prefer private transport. Also,if PMPML reduces the fare to Rs 5 from Rs 10 for 6-km stage,it will be an extraordinary move, he said.
Rathi also called for streamlining of ticket sale by conductors. Coupons should be introduced so that conductors could issue tickets quickly. Also the tickets should carry strong messages like how safe it is to travel by PMPML buses compared to two-wheelers and how it will save their fuel costs. Complaint numbers of PMPML in cases where conductors or drivers behave rudely should also be given, he said.
Prashant Inamdar of Pedestrian First also welcomed the latest move. The road to recovery has begun. Pardeshi first tackled issues related to breakdown of buses,then tried to discipline the employees and now he taken a decision to bring in commuter-friendly fares. The reduction and rationalisation of fares will boost commuter intake, he said.
Meanwhile,Pardeshi as Commissioner of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has managed to get Rs 24 crore financial aid for PMPML from the civic standing committee and the civic general body. The Pune Municipal Corporation is dilly-dallying on giving the amount which is needed to buy spare parts, he said.
Backing Pardeshi,Inamdar said PMPML needs somebody who is decisive. The past CMDs and management of PMPML have dithered in taking appropriate decision despite demands from commuter groups. Pardeshi has responded to commuter demands very quickly in his short stay as CMD. He should continue at the helm. Even if he stays for one year as CMD,PMPML will undergo a major change, he said.
Meanwhile,the NCP seems keen on Pardeshi continuing in the office.
NCP city unit president Vandana Chavan said she would take up the matter with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Our leader has already said that PMPML needed a strong IAS officer at the helm. Pardeshi has quickly turned things around for PMPML. The NCP will take up the issue with the Deputy Chief Minister, she said. Ajit Pawar too has said that he would take appropriate steps.
