PMPML Plans Ticket Price Hike And Other Measures To Reduce Financial Losses
Pune, 21st February 2025: Facing mounting financial losses, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is considering several measures, including a potential ticket price hike, employee hiring freeze, and changes to the journey stage system. While the fare revision is yet to be officially proposed, the administration is preparing to present it at an upcoming board meeting.
The public transport service provider is grappling with an operational deficit of ₹766 crore. Despite concerns about potential backlash from commuters and advocacy groups, PMPML remains inclined towards increasing fares to boost revenue. The last ticket price revision took place eight years ago, and officials argue that a fare hike is now necessary to sustain operations.
Currently, PMPML employs approximately 8,500 staff members, with a monthly salary expenditure of ₹48 crore. In an effort to curb expenses, the administration has decided to freeze new hires. Instead, drivers and conductors for newly inducted buses will be recruited on a contractual basis, which is expected to lower salary costs.
In another significant change, PMPML plans to reduce the number of fare stages from 42 to 11. At present, the fare system operates in two-kilometer stages. The revised system is aimed at simplifying fare collection and aligning it with metro ticketing mechanisms. According to PMPML officials, this modification will streamline the ticketing process and potentially benefit passengers.
