PMPML to start free rides to get people to use Public transport

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RITIKA BHOORA

30 oct 2018 Pimpri Chinchwad: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) wants to start free bus rides for a one day every month to encourage more people to use the public transport. PMPML has requested Pune municipal corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to bear the expenditure for this new initiative. A standing committee of PCMC will hear this proposal on Tuesday.

PMPML said it wants to implement the free bus ride scheme on 12 days in a year and that PMC and PCMC will share the expenditure of the same on a 60:40 basis.

PMPML chairperson and managing director Nayana Gunde is recorded to have said, “PMPML operates 1,450 buses daily. This included its own buses and those owned by contractors. Around 11.5 lakh passengers travel by PMPML buses everyday. PMPML will suffer a loss of Rs1.75 crore for a day’s free bus service.” She also said that PMPML will repair buses that are lying Idle and will operate at least 50 more buses on free ride days.

Jugal Rathi of PMP Pravasi Manch said, “The free ride will benefit only people who want to
pass time and force the regular commuters to opt for private vehicles. Besides, the 2 lakh people who have monthly passes will not get any benefit.”