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."
