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PMPML’s Fare Hike Doubles Minimum Fare and Drives First-Day Revenue Surge

Targeting a ten-year loss, the hike draws commuter complaints over overcrowded buses with frequent delays

As per the PMPML authorities, 1,554 buses were deployed on various routes on Sunday even though around 1,000 scheduled buses did not operate. (FILE)
Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has reported cumulative operational loss of ₹3,863.1 crore over the last 10 years. ((PIC FOR REPRESENTATION))
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Overview

  • Minimum fare doubled to ₹10 and a monthly pass now costs ₹1,500 up from ₹900 under the first price revision in 12 years.
  • PMPML recorded ₹1.97 crore in revenue on June 1, outperforming its average daily earnings by ₹55 lakh despite scaled-down Sunday services.
  • Some commuters, including a daily rider who praised cleaner and punctual buses, welcome the changes, but many students and low-income travelers cite financial hardship.
  • Of the authority’s 1,650-bus fleet, 1,554 were deployed on the fare hike’s launch day even though about 1,000 scheduled trips did not run.
  • The operator faces a cumulative ₹3,863.1 crore loss over the past decade and relies on contractor-run buses, with concessions for seniors and students remaining intact.