The Indian Express                20.08.2013

PMPML takes first step towards women’s safety, commuters call it half-hearted

However, the move that was implemented last week without much
fanfare and women commuters actually knowing about it, has not gone down
well with the commuter groups who are describing it as a “half-hearted”
move.

Activists argued that PMPML administration is not concerned about
the safety of women commuters. “Instead of allowing women commuters to
board buses from front door at all the bus stops, PMPML is providing the
facility only at starting points. This is simply ridiculous,” said
Jugal Rathi of PMP Pravasi Manch.

Slamming PMPML officials, Rathi said the administration led by
CMD R N Joshi and Joint MD Pravin Ashtikar do not seem to be serious
about augmenting the popularity of PMPML buses. “PMPML should be going
all-out to make its service popular. If women commuters feel safe, why
would they travel by two-wheelers and autorickshaws? A large number of
women commuters avoid buses because of the rush and inconvenience of
getting inside,” said Rathi.

Rathi said Ashtikar has the will power but he is not ready to
confront the lower ranked officials who are not enthused with the move.

Sanjeevani Pandey, a homemaker from Chinchwad, said if the PMPML
administration wants to really make women commuters feel safe, they
should allow them to board from the front door.

“It is clear that PMPML administration does not understand the
hardships women face while travelling. While boarding the bus, there is a
mad scramble. Men push women aside and youths behave in objectionable
manner. At times, women are also injured in the melee,” she said.

Corporator Seema Salve said it is difficult to understand why PMPML
is hesitating to make the bus service safer for women commuters. “People
have developed a habit of avoiding buses and travelling by two-wheelers
and cars. PMPML officials should try to find out why is this
happening.”

Rathi said it seems only Shrikar Pardeshi, the PCMC chief and one
of the directors, would be able to turn things around. “During his
short tenure as CMD, Pardeshi tried his best to improve the service.
After his short tenure, it seems PMPML has again run out of ideas. But
we have hope as Pardeshi is still the director of the transport
utility,” he said.

However, Prashant Inamdar, convenor of Pedestrians First,
said,”We welcome the PMPML’s small initiative. We are sure PMPML will do
more to ensure safety of women commuters.” Inamdar said he has received
a message from Ashtikar saying that PMPML has taken a first step in
ensuring safety of women commuters and would introduce other steps in
phases. “I think officers down the line are not enthused. They are
citing meak reasons which is why Ashtikar has not been able to implement
all the measures. But they have made a good beginning.”