Purchasing AC buses counter-productive

It seems to be a positive move by the Maharashtra government,asking the PMPML administration to stick to JNNURM guidelines concerning the purchase of buses for Pune public transport,thereby eliminating private players’ involvement (“Bus Purchase Controversy”,pg.no.3,Pune Newsline,June 19,2009). However,as the move comes after on-going protests from Puneites,doubts do crop up in one’s mind as to the credibilty of the State government’s motive,as it could have easily issued the directive before the decision to go ahead with PPP was finalised on May 16. Also,it seems unlikely that divisional commisioner Dilip Band and secretary to the chief minister Nitin Kareer are unaware of the drawbacks of the PPP arrangement,including the purchase of AC buses. Not only do AC buses have higher initial cost,they are also more expensive to run and to maintain. With the same amount of money,lesser number of AC buses can be purchased than their ordinary(non-AC) counterparts.

When a one-way ticket costs as much as Rs.25/- for an AC bus,how can the common man afford such travel? This will lead to buses not running to their full capacity and to make good the loss thus incurred,the authorities will increase the fares of non-AC buses as well.

Besides,AC buses are not required by everyday bus travelers.

We have an example in Mumbai where even well-to-do people travel by non-AC buses and locals. Thus,PMPML authorities’ initial idea of purchasing AC buses itself is counter-productive.

Citizens should not withdraw the protests till their demands for better public transport are met,as the new move of the State government is very likely politically motivated,with Assembly elections just round the corner.

Angad Patwardhan, Karve Road