The Indian Express               08.10.2013

Commuting by PMPML buses best option, say activists

With autorickshaw fares going up and two-wheeler rides becoming
life-threatening on city roads, travelling by PMPML buses is emerging as
the “best option” for commuters as it not only offers economical
service, but is also convenient and safe.

Commuter organisations believe that PMPML has now got an
opportunity to become popular among commuters, which will go a long way
in reducing private vehicles that are choking city roads.

Commuters organisations said PMPML is the safest option,
especially for those who travel by two-wheelers. Every year, as many as
240 two-wheeler riders die on city roads.

“A person might get late by 10-15 minutes if he travels by PMPML
bus, but the delay is better than losing one’s life by driving a
two-wheeler,” said activist Lahu Landge.

With the Regional Transport Authority giving a green signal to
increase autorickshaw fares, a passenger will now have to shell out Rs
17 for first 1.5 km. If an individual travels by a bus for 2 km, he pays
only Rs 5. Similarly, if three members of a family travel by an
autorickshaw for 1.5 km, they will pay Rs 17. But if they travel by bus,
they will pay Rs 15 and travel half a km more than they would by an
autorickshaw.

Beyond two km and up to 10-12 km, PMPML charges only Rs 10, which
is much cheaper than travelling by autorickshaw or a two-wheeler.

“The bus travel costs me Rs 20 (to and fro) every day. I only
spend Rs 80 in four days by travelling in a bus, which is much cheaper
than travelling by a two-wheeler. Besides, I don’t have to fear for my
life,” said Ikhlas Sayed, a resident of Akurdi.

Harsha Shah of Railway Pravasi Group said though the local train
service is cheap, the frequency is not as good as that of buses or
autorickshaws. “Trains do not halt at each and every stop. Also, the
train service is generally preferred by people living in the vicinity of
a railway station,” she said.

Jugal Rathi of PMP Pravasi Manch said PMPML has already become
popular among commuters after it decided to introduce fares in the
multiples of Rs 5. “Now, there is another opportunity for PMPML to
attract more passengers as the autorickshaws are surely going to become
unpopular with sharp fare hike. PMPML needs to increase its fleet as
soon as possible,” he said.

Rathi said PMPML should also increase the frequency of buses in
the heart of the city where autorickshaws have been playing a major
role. Though some autorickshaw owners believe the fare hike will affect
their earnings, many point out that they score over PMPML as the buses
cannot reach every nook and corner of the city. “We have a huge
advantage over buses as they cannot ply on narrow roads or pass through
gullies. Even though fares have been increased, autorickshaws will not
be hit badly,” he said.

PMPML spokesperson Deepak Pardeshi said, “PMPML has become a
cheaper transport service with good frequency of buses. But the
problem is with diesel prices which keep rising. If the prices increase
again, PMPML will be hit. We are planning to convert all buses into
CNG.”