Pune Outrage: PMPML Bus Driver Spotted Using Phone While Driving, Netizens Call Out Risky Trend
Pune Outrage: PMPML Bus Driver Spotted Using Phone While Driving, Netizens Call Out Risky Trend
In yet another instance raising concerns over road safety in Pune, a PMPML (Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd) bus driver was caught using a mobile phone while driving. The photo, shared on Reddit, quickly went viral and triggered widespread criticism online, with users slamming what they described as “typical Punekar” behavior on city roads.
While reckless behavior by bikers and auto drivers is often discussed, many users pointed out that PMPML drivers, too, are increasingly being seen flouting traffic rules from jumping signals to driving carelessly. In this particular case, the viral image of the bus driver engaged on his phone while behind the wheel drew swift outrage.
“This is so dangerously common here,” one Reddit user wrote. “I’ve been in cabs where drivers scroll reels the entire ride. One scrolled Facebook, then switched to Instagram Reels, then put on a movie. Another one just watched YouTube Shorts.”
Avg. Pune Bus Drivers: Using Phone While Driving.
byu/Crazy_Excitement3772 inpune
Another concerned citizen commented, “There’s a new low of stupidity seen in Pune these days. Cab drivers and auto drivers are watching reels while at stoplights or even during slow traffic. This country never fails to amaze me — but in reverse. Be extremely cautious, especially with kids, while walking or crossing roads.”
A more structured comparison came from a user referencing Bengaluru’s transport policies. “In Bengaluru, drivers are either made to lock their phones at depots or switch them off before driving. Conductors might be allowed to use phones in emergencies, but drivers are strictly not permitted to use them on duty,” the user shared.
Some users were less surprised, with one bluntly stating, “Actually, almost every driver in Pune does this.”
Sharing a personal experience, another user wrote, “I once took a cab from Pune to Mumbai and reported the driver to Ola or maybe Uber for being on his phone. Nothing changed. Now, they even justify it — they say they only watch videos when going downhill, and during the return to Pune, they switch to audio calls only.”
Interestingly, the viral image that stirred the controversy is a still photo — not even a video — yet it was enough to spark citywide concern and draw attention to the growing disregard for safety among drivers in Pune’s public and private transport sectors.
