Pune: Corporators across party lines highlighted several shortcomings in PMPML services during the PMC general body (GB) meeting on Monday, raising concerns over poor bus conditions, abrupt route closures, dilapidated shelters and lack of coordination. They demanded the introduction of minibuses within residential localities and feeder services to Metro stations to boost last-mile connectivity.The discussion was held on a proposal to disburse Rs 474 crore to PMPML towards its operational losses. The special GB meeting was convened after elected representatives last month urged mayor Manjusha Nagpure to hold a dedicated discussion on issues related to the city’s public transport utility. As discussions remained incomplete, leader of the House Ganesh Bidkar proposed another GB meeting on Friday, during which PMPML officials were expected to respond to corporators’ concerns.Around 20 corporators offered suggestions to make PMPML more commuter-friendly. Corporator Mahesh Wable expressed concern that despite an increase in the fleet size, PMPML had failed to register a corresponding rise in daily ridership or revenue. “The condition of buses remains poor and maintenance standards are lacking. PMPML needs to improve service quality on multiple fronts to increase passenger confidence and revenue. A few years ago, PMPML was generating healthy daily income. There is no reason it cannot achieve that again,” Wable said.Several corporators from Sahakarnagar, Khadakwasla, Kothrud and Shivajinagar complained about the sudden discontinuation of long-standing bus routes, saying the move had inconvenienced regular commuters. Kothrud corporator Punit Joshi stressed the need for stronger integration between PMPML and Pune Metro. “All major Metro stations should have robust feeder bus services. PMPML must work closely with Maha Metro to strengthen last-mile connectivity,” he said.Corporator Roopali Pawar pointed to frequent breakdowns of PMPML buses, including electric buses, and urged the transport utility to identify and address the underlying causes. The corporators also demanded the introduction of a common mobility card for both PMPML and Metro services.Meanwhile, as the GB discussion on PMPML was under way, members of the city unit of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) staged a protest demanding an inquiry into alleged irregularities in recruitment processes at PMPML.
