Pune’s PMPML Fare Hike Takes Effect After a Decade: Commuters Divided Over New Structure

Reported by Kajal Bhukan and Vikrant Sonawane

Pune, 4th June 2025: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has implemented its first fare hike in over a decade, effective from June 1, 2025. The revised structure affects all PMPML bus services across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and PMRDA areas. The hike introduces distance-based slabs, increased pass rates, and digital enhancements to ensure a smoother transition.

Approved by the PMPML Board of Directors and the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), the fare revision adopts an 11-stage distance-based system. It also includes updates to PMPML’s e-ticketing and mobile app platforms.

Fare Hike Details: New Slabs and Pass Rates

Under the revised structure, the minimum fare has doubled from ₹5 to ₹10 for the first 5 km. Subsequent fares increase in ₹10 increments:

• 0–5 km: ₹10
• 5.1–10 km: ₹20
• 10.1–15 km: ₹30
• 15.1–20 km: ₹40

The daily travel pass for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad areas now costs ₹70 (up from ₹40), while in PMRDA zones it has increased from ₹120 to ₹150. The monthly pass has gone up from ₹900 to ₹1,500.

Existing passes remain valid until their expiration.

Importantly, there is no change in fares or concessions for students, senior citizens, and specially-abled passengers—ensuring continued support for vulnerable groups.

Digital and Operational Upgrades

To facilitate the shift, PMPML has enhanced its digital infrastructure:

• E-ticketing machines updated
• PMPML mobile app reconfigured
• National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) integration
• Revised fare charts distributed to conductors
• Digital displays updated at bus stops and inside buses

A senior PMPML official stated, “This revision aligns our fare model with present-day operational realities, keeping commuter convenience in mind.”

Commuter Response: Mixed Reactions

Reactions from the public have been varied—particularly among students and daily wage commuters.

Shweta Pawar, a Fergusson College student, said, “I travel daily from Bhosari to Shivajinagar. The fare hike is forcing me to cut down other expenses.”

Prasad Shinde, another student, added, “Even though the buses are crowded and sometimes late, they were affordable. The new fares will hit students hard.”

Others view the hike as overdue.

Swapnil Panchore, a mechanical engineering student at Sinhgad College, remarked, “The daily pass has increased from ₹40 to ₹70, but considering there was no hike for 10 years, it seems justified.”

However, Yogesh Chaudhary, also a college student, disagreed: “With prices of daily essentials rising, hiking bus fares makes commuting harder for common people and students. The fare should be more affordable.”

Revenue Impact: Strong Start Despite Weekend Rollout

Despite June 1 being a Sunday—a traditionally low-ridership day—PMPML earned ₹1.97 crore, an increase of ₹55 lakh over its average daily revenue.

Over 9.45 lakh passengers used 1,554 buses, even though around 1,000 vehicles remained off-road due to the holiday schedule. Officials interpreted the turnout as a sign of sustained commuter demand despite the price hike.

Political Fallout: Transparency and Representation Questioned

The fare hike has triggered political debate, with opposing views aired during a seminar by PMP Pravasi Manch titled “PMPML Fare Hike: Lifeline or Burden?”

NCP leader Prashant Jagtap called the decision “a robbery of the city,” criticizing the absence of elected representatives on PMPML’s board and raising alarms over increased privatization—claiming over 75% of operations are outsourced.

BJP leader Sandeep Khardekar defended the hike:

“PMPML transports 12 lakh passengers daily. Despite rising operational costs, including a salary bill that has gone from ₹450 crore to ₹830 crore, we had no choice. We also pay ₹320 crore annually in service tax, with a ₹620 crore deficit.”

Former Deputy Mayor Siddharth Dhende demanded greater transparency, stating that the official report justifying the fare hike has not been made public.

Congress leader Sanjay Balgude took a balanced stance: “Fare hikes are acceptable only if service quality improves. PMPML needs better bus lanes, efficient depots, and more punctuality.”

Commuters Demand Fairer, More Flexible Pricing

Passenger rights activists like Vivek Velankar, Jugal Rathi, and Sanjay Shitole urged PMPML to revise fare slabs, especially for short-distance commuters.

They pointed out that someone traveling just over 5 km now pays ₹20, double the previous fare. Suggestions included:

• Smaller fare jumps (₹5 instead of ₹10)
• More distance divisions between slabs
• Area-specific passes (PMC-only or PCMC-only)

The Road Ahead: Will Service Quality Justify Cost?

With over 1,600 buses, PMPML is Pune’s public transport lifeline. The new fares align it with other metro systems like Mumbai’s BEST and Nagpur’s City Bus, which also revised their fare structures recently.

Still, fare hikes must go hand in hand with improved services. Commuters continue to demand:

• More punctual buses
• Better maintenance
• Real-time updates via apps
• Increased frequency on fringe routes

Can PMPML Earn Commuter Trust Again?

Now that the long-pending fare adjustment is in place, PMPML faces a crucial test—balancing financial sustainability with commuter trust and satisfaction.

When contacted, PMPML CMD Deepa Mudhol Munde told Punekar News, “All above questions are already answered to public on social media accounts before implementing new stages and fares.”

When asked about the ₹55 lakh increase in revenue recorded on the first day after the hike, the CMD said: “Fare hikes will obviously add to our revenue. More importantly, we’ve also seen an increase in commuter numbers compared to last week. This additional income will help us offer better services to citizens, especially in terms of technological interventions.”

Responding to public calls for smaller, incremental fare increases—such as ₹5 instead of ₹10— she added: “The new fare structure has been introduced after 11 years. The last revision was in 2014. Considering the sharp rise in PMPML’s losses and operational costs over the past decade, the current fare hike is appropriate.”