The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) today caters to a populace of nearly three million of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Transport (PCMC) and its adjoining area. It comprises a fleet of over 2,000 buses, writes Priyanka Sharma of Elets News Network (ENN).
Formed in 2007 by merging Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Transport (PCMC), the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) is committed to provide access through transport in a manner that is safe, secure, affordable, accessible, reliable and resilient which will reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable development. PMPML’s main objective is to provide services and infrastructure for the mobility of the people. It is providing transport that is accessible, affordable, efficient, reliable, safe, secure and equitable. It is also catering mobility for jobs, markets, education, sociocultural and economic activities.
Under the Integrated Transport Management System, PMPML has launched a new portal (www.pmpml.org). It’s mobile responsive. Nearly 2.5 lakh visitors have been recorded on the website within five months of its launch. It provides journey planning, online booking of tickets, booking of Mi Card (Pass), viewing reports/dashboards, lodging grievances etc. PMPML is also planning to launch the Marathi version of the portal soon.
Automatic Vehicle Location System (AVLS)
Through AVLS, live tracking of buses can be done. It helps in scientific planning and schedule adherence. It also helps in avoiding harsh braking of the buses.
Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) It is the first online Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) in India. It helps PMPML to monitor real-time performance across depot, shift, route, trips and conductors attendance. It also monitors tickets issued and the amount collected. There is also a facility to monitor the usage of pre-printed ticket through the single system.
Command and Control Centre (CCC)
The CCC is an 18-seated fully automated working space where centralised monitoring of daily operations of 2,000 buses takes place. It also monitors ticket issuance, bus schedule, trip adherence etc. It has a facility for two-way communication between CCC and buses. It also facilitates breakdown management etc.
Safety and Security of passengers
For the safety of the passengers, a SoS facility which can send SMS to predefined contacts through the mobile app has been activated. There is a facility for the two-way communication system in buses in case of emergency or accidents also. PMPML keeps track of buses and any deviation in the bus route is reported at the Command and Control Centre. There is also a provision for the effective electronic grievance management system. Buses have also been fitted with CCTV, panic buttons. Dedicated BRTS corridor has been built to ensure more equitable distribution. PMPML has enabled more number of buses on road and is giving priority to public transport.
Capacity Building
Training and skill development of officials and staff have been conducted as part of this project.
Coming Soon
PMPML has decided to purchase 1,000 buses, including 100 diesel operated vehicles, and reintroduce the punching passes.
After the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPMPL)’s board meeting recently, a senior official said the 100 diesel-run buses would be functional mainly in the fringe areas. The previous tender of purchasing 800 buses — 400 diesel and 400 CNG — was scrapped in the meeting. It has been also decided to launch a separate helpline number for its late-night buses. Supporting the go-green initiative, the Pune Smart City Development Corporation Limited (PSCDCL) will introduce electrical buses in the city. Initially, three electrical buses will be brought on a trial basis for one month. These buses will run between Aundh, Baner and Balewadi.