Starting August 15, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) will provide concession in bus pass to private coaching students, making it more affordable for them. A dedicated bus route will be available for the students, connecting their residences to coaching centres for convenient commuting, said officials. According to officials, PMPML has undertaken the initiative to encourage the diverse student population of Pune — many from different regions of the country — to use public transportation. Sachindra Pratap Singh, CMD of PMPML, said, "Poor parents should not be forced to purchase vehicles for their children. We are not here to gain profit. Our objective is to promote bus travels while reducing the usage of cars, bikes, and auto rickshaws." According to the PMPML data, 70,000 students at present get monthly passes to travel at a cost of Rs 750. The cost of a student pass for three months is Rs 2,000, Rs 3,000 for six months, and Rs 5,000 for a year. Students availed the existing PMPML concession pass by presenting valid documents of their respective colleges or schools, but now, they will also get a concession while travelling to private coaching classes. While agreeing to the revenue loss to the PMPML, Singh said that the decision has been taken to minimise traffic congestion and pollution in the city. At present, an average of 10 to 12 lakh passengers travel by PMPML buses a day. PMPML has also decided all-day work for the drivers, conductors, and depot managers in a bid to promote public bus services, said officials. "The PMPML's revenue was recorded at 50 per cent in 2015, but till July this year, it was at 52 per cent, which means people have been travelling more via buses for various reasons," according to Singh. Singh also said that the latest move was finalised in the presence of other PMPML officials. The price for the initiative will soon be defined by the PMPML, he added.
