TimesView The intention behind offering free rides is commendable, but not practical. The PMPML is already facing increasing losses, frequent break downs and lack of adequate number of buses. Adding to the burden is not advisable even if the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic bodies are willing to make up for the losses. We have already seen that the revenue sources of the civic bodies are drying up and they may not be able to spare additional funds. Public transport can be made attractive not by offering free trips, but by running an efficient and reliable service with the help of clean and fit buses.

PUNE: Taking a leaf out of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s book, a group of corporators in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed free transport services for children, women and senior citizens in the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) buses.The proposal was tabled before the standing committee on Tuesday. It said the scheme should be started on the lines of the Delhi government’s plan, which allows women to travel for free by metro, rail and bus. It said the aim is to reduce vehicular pollution and promote public transport.“The proposal has been sent to the civic administration. The decision on whether to start the free service or not, will be taken after studying the report,” said standing committee chairman Sunil Kamble.A civic official said nearly 15 lakh commuters use the bus service. Senior citizens and students avail the service at discounted rates by using bus passes. There around 3 lakh bus pass holders. Special pass holders and differently-abled citizens also get the service at cheaper rates.Annually, 20,000 students get passes from the PMPML. The students from PMC schools as well as private schools also use this scheme. The civic school students get passes for free, while students from private schools get 75% discount.“If the free service is started, the PMC and PCMC will have to bear the cost of the financial losses caused by the new scheme. Both civic bodies, in their contract at the formation of the PMPML, had taken the responsibility to offer financial help to the public transport body. On an average, around Rs240 crore losses are paid by these bodies per year. The amount will increase if the free service is provided,” a senior PMC official said, requesting anonymity.Activists in the city have welcomed the move. “The trend of providing free public transport services is seen in various cities across the world. It is the need of the hour to attract more commuters to public transport,” said Jugal Rathi of PMP Pravashi Manch, a citizens’ group working for better public transport.