PMPML pulls out all stops to woo passengers

In the last four months from May 1 to September 1, 2023, 29 new routes have been started which include regular services, and tourist bus services especially over weekends, and metro bus shuttle services on metro station routes in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad

In a bid to better serve commuters and encourage greater ridership, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has taken a slew of measures, including starting new routes, reopening stretches that were closed in the past, and even starting “non-stop without conductor” routes from September 1.

Around 17 routes in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Pune rural - closed down in the past by the PMPML due to Covid-19 or poor response - have been reopened on public demand. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

According to information shared by the public transport utility, in the last four months from May 1 to September 1, 2023, 29 new routes have been started which include regular services, and tourist bus services especially over weekends, and metro bus shuttle services on metro station routes in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Around 17 routes in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Pune rural - closed down in the past by the PMPML due to Covid-19 or poor response - have been reopened on public demand. Nearly 20 routes have been extended by PMPML as commuters had to previously change buses to travel along the same route/s.

Beginning September 1, two new routes billed as “non-stop without conductor” routes have been started by PMPML namely, Bhosari to the PMC bus stand and Swargate to Hadapsar. As there is a heavy rush on these routes and buses are crowded during the morning and evening peak hours, commuters can now buy tickets at the starting point and directly get down at the end point of the route.

“PMPML is always working towards giving better services to passengers and in the last few months, several new routes, extended routes, and metro bus shuttle services have been started. There is a good response to all these new routes and we will be adding more such routes as per the response and demand from commuters,” said Satish Gavhane, PMPML chief transport manager.

Commuters too are benefitted by the new and extended routes of the transport body. “I daily travel from Hadapsar to Swargate for work and now with the ‘non-stop without conductor’ bus service, it will be beneficial for thousands of commuters who travel daily on this route,” said Archana Jadhav, a daily commuter.