Pune: Fare Hike Hits Commuters Hard; PMPML Earns Rs 55 Lakh Extra on First Day
Pune, 3rd June 2025: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML)’s recent fare hike, effective from June 1, has sparked strong reactions from daily commuters while significantly increasing the transport authority’s revenue. Even though June 1 was a Sunday, with limited bus services, PMPML reported an additional income of ₹55 lakh on the very first day under the revised fare structure.
This fare revision, the first in 12 years, has nearly doubled ticket prices across various categories, imposing a heavy financial burden on Pune residents. On the opening day of the new rates, 9,45,971 passengers traveled in 1,554 buses, generating total revenue of ₹1.97 crore—a sharp increase compared to typical collections, even though nearly 1,000 buses remained off the roads due to the weekend schedule.
New Fare Structure and Impact
The hike affects routes across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and surrounding rural areas. Key changes include:
Base fare increased to ₹10 for journeys up to 5 km.
Daily passes previously priced at ₹40 or ₹50 (depending on the zone) have been replaced by a single ₹70 pass.
PMRDA zone passes rose from ₹120 to ₹150.
Monthly passes surged from ₹900 to ₹1,500.
Commuters Voice Concerns
The fare structure’s abrupt price increments have drawn widespread criticism. Under the new system, passengers traveling beyond the initial 5 km slab must pay ₹20 even if their journey extends only a few meters into the next fare stage—effectively doubling the fare for a very short additional distance. Commuters are demanding a more gradual fare increase, such as ₹5 increments per stage, instead of such steep jumps.
Additionally, the elimination of separate passes for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad zones has caused discontent. Passengers who travel only within one municipal area argue against being compelled to purchase a combined pass at a higher cost.
Public Sentiment and Future Outlook
While PMPML’s revenue has seen a marked boost, public dissatisfaction is growing. Commuters are urging authorities to revisit the fare hike and consider implementing a fairer, more affordable pricing system that balances operational costs with passenger affordability.
