Dr. Prashant Mohite studies the conditions and working environment of the PMPL bus drivers and conductors, realising a need for change. The study shows how the rising stress levels in the PMPl employees affects the commuters as well.
Dr. Prashant Mohite recently under the guidance of Dr. S.D. Pawar conducted a study and produced a thesis titled, 'A study of inter relationship between stress level and productivity among Pune Mahanagr Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd.(PMPML) bus drivers and conductors. He has been an assistant professor in Shree Siddhivinayak Mahila Mahavidyalaya for 8 years. The research he conducted was a 4 year study that he piloted. The data was collected of 500 respondents (252 conductors and 248 drivers) from 10 main Pune Mahanagr Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) bus depots situated in Pune and Pimpri-chinchwad. The study was a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods and included questionnaires and interviews along with secondary sources such as PMPML records, related News, books and research articles on related topics. He also visited the Poona Divisional Productivity Council and the Central Institute of Road Transport,Pune for additional information.
The study measured stress levels on the basis of physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms among the PMPL drivers and conductors. These stress levels showed direct effects on productivity, measured on basis of punctuality, safety, interaction with commuters, attendance, number of accidents and completion of daily assigned trips. The study also shows that, citizens who use this facility and those who don't, both are affected by the adverse effects of stress that the PMPML drivers and conductors face.
Conclusions drawn from the study point towards better treatment of the employees to improve their productivity as well as the safety of the commuters and other road users as they too were affected as mentioned earlier.
"Drivers and Conductors are stressed due to their work environments. The passengers expect and demand better service without realizing how bad the PMPML employees' conditions are. If PMPML does make the necessary amends, the employees will be less stressed which will directly reflect on the increased productivity. It will also result in an improved PMPML system and the problems that the employees and the daily commuters faced can be resolved. There is also a need to increase awareness among the passengers so that higher cooperation can be seen between them and the drivers and conductors.The awareness will teach the commuters to understand, support and help the PMPL drivers and conductors and might help in uplifting the situation." said Dr. Mohite.
After completing his research in benefit of the society, he is also offering to organize stress management workshops for their employees if the PMPML gives him permission.
Here are some of the changes in the system that PMPL should adhere to as suggested by Dr. Mohite
1. Appointment of sufficient employees in every depot for examining the buses.
2. Number of bus drivers and conductors should be proportionate to number of buses.
3. They need to negotiate with the bus manufacturers to buy back old buses and work on a replacement policy.
4. They should insist on the removal of encroachments and unauthorized constructions along road sides which creates difficulties in bus ridding and parking.
5. Relaxation and stress relieving activities should be inculcated.
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