Pune: PMPML bus services resume in city and Pimpri-Chinchwad

Pune: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus services resumed in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities from Thursday 6 am onward. In the first phase, 421 PMPML buses are running on a total of 190 routes. Sanitisers are made available in every bus for passengers, while passengers over the age of 65 years are barred from entering the bus.

The PMPML's passenger traffic had been shut since March 18 due to the lockdown imposed after Covid-19 outbreak in the city. Recently, in a meeting of the office bearers of both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations, it was decided to start PMPML services from September 3. After receiving an official letter from both the civic bodies, PMPML Chairman and Managing Director Rajendra Jagtap on Wednesday (September 2) instructed the administration to restart the city bus service.

Anant Waghmare, Transport Manager of PMPML said, “Each bus will be sanitised twice a day. Markings have been painted for passengers to stand at major bus stands in the city. The administration has appealed to the passengers to stand in the marked areas only. Pass centres at Swargate, Mahatma Gandhi Station, Hadapsar, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune Station, Pune Municipal Corporation, Vishrantwadi, Wagholi, Katraj, Warje Malwadi, Nigdi, Chinchwad Gaon, Pimple Gurav, Bhosari, Sangvi, Pimpri Chowk will remain open from 7 am to 2 pm on all days except Sunday.”

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BUS TRAVEL

• Children under 10 and citizens over 65 years of age will not have access to the bus
• The accommodation in single bus will be limited to only 22 passengers
• Passengers will not be allowed to enter bus without wearing mask

UNCERTAINTY OVER THE PURCHASE OF MINIBUSES

The PMP has suffered huge financial losses during the lockdown. The PMP has lost revenue of more than Rs 250 crore. Therefore, the PMP will face financial challenges in the coming period. Also, the proposal to introduce new buses in the PMP’s fleet has been postponed for about two months. Meanwhile, there is uncertainty over the plan of Pune Municipal Corporation to purchase mini buses for commuters in the city peth areas.