Pune transport utility okays Rs1 fare hike

Adding to the common man’s woes, the board of directors of the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) on Friday passed a proposal to hike the fare of the bus service by a rupee. The move was criticised by civic activists, who have decided to oppose the hike.

The board of directors decided not to hike the fare for the first stage of two kms, which is Rs5. However, the fare for every next stage will be increased by a rupee.

The PMPML board had given a proposal to hike fares on April 20. After opposition from various organisations, the hike was deferred. However, on Friday the board accepted the hike, saying it was unavoidable.

Prashant Jagtap, PMPML board member, said, “We tried delaying the hike and we had even requested the Pune Municipal Corporation to waive octroi for PMPML to reduce the financial burden but it was rejected. The recent hike in the price of diesel adds a burden of Rs23 crore annually. Therefore, we had no option but to increase the bus fare.”

Now, the proposal will be placed  before the district transport authority (DTA) for final decision.

However, various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have opposed the PMPML board’s decision to hike the fares.
Jugal Rathi, president of PMP Pravasi Manch said, “The hike will only cover inefficiency and corruption in the PMPML.”

Rathi added, “We feel that PMPML’s decision is suicidal as it will only discourage people from using public transport. Ultimately it will put additional burden on the city’s traffic. We are going to fight against the decision tooth and nail. We will force the PMPML to withdraw its decision.”

Abhijit AM of Lokayat said, “The fare is totally unjust. In fact, instead of hiking the fare, the transport body should have reduced it as the PMPML has one of the highest fares for public transport in the country. We will be starting a campaign to create awareness among citizens. We are going to protest against the fare hike.”