Pune: Relief for Vulnerable Commuters as PMPML Permits Front Door Boarding for Senior Citizens and Disabled
Pune, 30th December 2024: Chief Transport Officer of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), Satish Gavhane, has signed an order stating that senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women will be allowed to enter PMPML buses through the front door. The order also mentions that when the bus is crowded, seats should be made available to these individuals. This decision has provided relief to senior citizens and physically disabled commuters.
PMPML buses are the backbone of public transport in Pune District, with a fleet of 2,000 buses. However, the number of buses is insufficient compared to the population, resulting in overcrowded buses. As a result, there is intense competition to find a place on the bus. The rule has been that passengers should enter through the rear door and exit from the front. When the bus stops, the back door is often overwhelmed by people, making it impossible for senior citizens, the physically disabled, and pregnant women to board. Many times, these individuals are not noticed by the driver or conductor due to their position at the back, preventing them from entering the bus.
Given the frequency of such incidents, the PMPML administration has now addressed the issue. Allowing these individuals to board through the front door has given them a sense of being heard and has provided them with much-needed relief.
