After successful trials of double-decker buses in Pune, the vehicles may soon hit the roads, said officials from the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML).
“Switch-manufactured electric and air-conditioned buses performed well during the trials. The initial ticket price of Rs 100, charged during the trial period, will be reduced once regular operations begin. Some minor issues, such as obstructions caused by tree branches, were encountered and will be brought to the attention of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). The board of directors will take the necessary steps to address these concerns,” said Satish Gavhane, Chief Transport Manager, PMPML, in an interview with the Indian Express.
Residents have welcomed the introduction of double-decker buses, appreciating their increased capacity. Each bus offers seating for 65 passengers along with standing space for an additional 20, which is expected to significantly boost public transport in the city.
The trial routes included key locations such as Ramwadi Metro Station to International Tech Park (Kharadi), Magarpatta to Kalyani Nagar, Pune Station to Pune Airport, Chinchwad to Hinjewadi, Dehu to Alandi, and a circular Hinjewadi-to-Hinjewadi route.
However, despite the buses’ modern features, they were seen running empty during the trials due to the high fare. Passengers were reluctant to pay the Rs 100 ticket price for a short 4-kilometre ride through central Pune.
Ramesh Jadhav, a college student, shared his thoughts: “I was curious to sit on the upper deck and experience the ride. But Rs 100 for just a few minutes on the bus is too much. Authorities need to reconsider such high fares before implementing them.”
Notably, double-decker buses had been discontinued in Pune in 1995. With these new trials, the modern double-decker buses are now set for a comeback in the city’s public transport network.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-double-decker-bus-trials-successful-operations-to-start-soon
