Pune’s PMPML sees uptick in online payments but most commuters still opt for cash payments

Although the revenue generated through the online system is increasing, the overall revenue rate from its launch date until now stands at only 2.09 per cent, indicating that more efforts are needed toward PMPML’s digitisation. The PMPML’s gross revenue from October 2023 to July 2024 stands at Rs 490.27 crore, with UPI transactions contributing Rs 10.25 crore.

The data highlights seasonal trends in UPI transaction rates. During the five months following the launch of the online system, from October last year to February this year — a period that coincides with the winter season — the UPI system witnessed a gradual increase from 0.8 per cent to 2.4 per cent, as more people opted to use PMPML buses.

However, as summer set in during March 2024, this upward trend experienced a slight dip. The revenue percentage dropped to 1.96 per cent in March and further to 1.51 per cent in April.

The PMPML’s Traffic Planning Officer, Narayan Jagganath Karde, attributed this decline to the summer holidays when student commuters are fewer. He said, “The slight reduction in digital payments during March and April is primarily due to the decrease in students who prefer PMPML services for travelling. We are consistently working toward enhancing our payment system and resolving network glitches.”

He added that despite this seasonal dip, the period from May to July has seen a resurgence in UPI usage. The rate rose consecutively from 2 per cent to 3 per cent and then to 4 per cent, indicating the continuity of online ticketing. As many as 50 lakh passengers paid around Rs 10.25 crore through UPI from October to July.

Alongside network issues and PMPML staff’s resistance to using the UPI system, another reason for the limited use of UPI is the fear among passengers of losing money during the transaction process.

Mohan Bhise, who travels daily from Pimpri to Deccan to attend college, said initially he was excited about the online system, but his personal experience compelled him to stick to cash for ticket booking. “I am in favour of cashless transactions, provided the service and network are reliable. Once, I was involved in a verbal dispute with the bus staff after demanding a refund when my money was deducted, but the staff did not receive it,” he said.

A woman commuter, who travels daily from Deccan to Kothrud, said she has trust issues with the PMPML’s online system and prefers to use cash. However, she said, “Although I am hesitant to use online transactions, I am also excited about the ‘Apli PMPML’ mobile app where I can book my ticket online.”

Passengers will be able to download and use PMPML’s mobile app starting August 17, where they can track bus routes in real-time and book their tickets through the app. The app will also feature other user-friendly options.