PMPML Set to Reinstate Bus Services Linking Pune Airport to Key City Areas
Responding to the increasing demand from travelers, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is gearing up to reintroduce its bus services connecting Pune Airport with various crucial destinations within the city. The move comes as a result of calls from flyers who have voiced their desire for convenient and reliable transportation options to and from the airport.
Acknowledging the rising need for an effective feeder bus network at Pune Airport, PMPML is in the process of revitalizing the bus service that will seamlessly link significant city junctions with the airport terminals. Previously, in response to low ridership figures, the PMPML had taken the decision to scale back the service, reducing the fleet size from 35 buses to a mere 10. Subsequently, in November 2022, the service was temporarily suspended by the public transport authority.
A frequent flier, took to social media to voice his appeal, demanding reinstating bus service to Pune airport. He said that other metro cities have great public transport to the airport. This tweet caught the attention of the PMPML, prompting an official response.
The PMPML released a statement addressing the concerns raised on social media, clarifying, “Due to limited citizen engagement, the PMPML bus service to the airport is currently inactive. We are committed to restarting the service and should witness an upsurge.”
As part of an earlier initiative, PMPML had introduced electric buses at Pune Airport’s Lohegaon location, complete with dedicated parking facilities within the airport premises. Despite offering routes to key city areas such as Kothrud, Chinchwad, Swargate, and Hadapsar, the service saw limited patronage. The majority of passengers, particularly during the evening peak hours, relied on these buses for their commutes. However, due to an inadequate response, PMPML had made the decision to gradually reduce the number of buses before ultimately suspending the service in 2022.
