If you’ve ever taken a ride on a Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus without a ticket, you might want to think twice next time. The transport body has been cracking down on fare evaders, collecting an impressive ₹1.25 crore in fines over the past year. That’s a hefty sum, considering the relatively affordable fares ranging from ₹5-₹60.
Despite the affordable ticket prices, the issue of ticketless travel is on the rise. Many commuters, especially college students, are opting to travel without tickets to save a few bucks. However, getting caught comes with a hefty fine of ₹500, which is significantly higher than the cost of a ticket.
With an estimated 11 to 12 lakh commuters relying on PMPML’s services daily, the transport body is facing a growing challenge of fare evasion. On average, between 60-70 fare evaders are caught daily, highlighting the scale of the problem.
While the revenue from ticket sales averages ₹1.5 to ₹2 crore daily, the impact of fare evasion is still a cause for concern. The transport body is taking measures to address the issue, including surprise checks on 379 routes by a dedicated team of 350 ticket inspectors.
However, the challenge of overcrowding in PMPML buses has made it easier for fare evaders to go undetected. With fewer buses operating on the roads, passengers are blending in with the crowded buses, making it harder for ticket inspectors to catch violators.
PMPML is calling on passengers to be more responsible and follow the rules by purchasing a valid ticket. After all, the fine for ticketless travel is much higher than the cost of a ticket. So next time you hop on a PMPML bus, make sure you’ve got your ticket handy to avoid getting caught in the crackdown on fare evasion.
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