Transgender community takes metro ride
Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation organised a special PMPML and metro ride for the transgender community on April 24.
Jigar Hindocha
Pune: In a unique initiative, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation organised a Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd(PMPML) bus ride and also, a ride on the metro for the transgender community to initiate them into using public transport without fear.
The corporation fulfilled its long-time wish to make the transgender community comfortable on public transport rides. The ride started at PMPML bus stop from Nigdi and ended at PCMC metro station. They were then taken on a metro ride till Phugewadi station.
The members of the community were using the metro for the first time and their excitement was evident on their faces.
Laila (name changed) told Pune Pulse, “Most of us from our community fear taking public transport because there are people who either make fun of us or try to misbehave with us. If we get support from the civic body, then many from our community will start using public transport.”
Ajay Charthankar, deputy commissioner from PCMC said, “We wanted to motivate the transgender community to use the public transport. Once they start travelling regularly on public transport, others will also start accepting them and treat them with respect.”
“I am happy that such an initiative was taken by the PCMC civic body. PMPML service should benefit more such people. Transgenders are also one part of the community so they must use PMPML,” said Chetana Kerure, Joint Managing Director, PMPML.
An official from the Metro also said that transgenders must use the services on a regular basis.
