Pune’s Double-Decker Bus Trial Runs Empty as Expensive ₹100 Fare Deters Commuters
Pune's Double-Decker Bus Trial Runs Empty as Expensive ₹100 Fare Deters Commuters
Pune’s much-anticipated double-decker bus trial by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has failed to attract passengers, largely due to an unexpectedly steep fare of ₹100 for just a 4-kilometre ride.
Introduced to gather public feedback and test feasibility, the buses were seen running nearly empty across central Pune, as the cost proved too high for commuters. Many expected free or at least nominally priced rides during the trial.
“I wanted to try the upper deck, but ₹100 for such a short distance doesn’t make sense,” said Satish Pawar, a student. Regular commuter Rohini Jadhav echoed the sentiment, calling the fare impractical and suggesting PMPML should have kept it affordable to encourage participation.
The trial, running for 10 days on routes like Swargate to Pimpri-Chinchwad, also highlighted operational challenges as the large buses struggled in narrow and congested lanes.
PMPML officials clarified that the ₹100 ticket was symbolic and only for trial participants. “This was an initial test run. The final fare and routes will be decided after stakeholder discussions,” said Chief Managing Director Pankaj Deore. Traffic Manager Satish Ghavane added that the ongoing trials aim to assess road conditions, commuter interest, and route viability.
While the reintroduction of double-decker buses has generated excitement, the empty runs underline a key lesson—public transport upgrades must balance modernisation with affordability and genuine commuter involvement.
