What a time!

To what extent can the frustration of PMPML bus travellers go? Sunday witnessed one of the answers to above question when a sizable number of travellers in Warje came together to protest against the irregularities of PMPML service. The big spoof was made of PMPML time table and rules and those who did this are damn serious about it!

The event was organised by Pune Bus Pravasi Sangh at Galinde Road bus stop. A mock PMPML time table making fun of manner in which city buses ply without schedule and notice was put in palce at the stop. A pamphlet displaying the strange rules of bus service was also put in place as well as distributed to people. It was meant to attract the attention of PMPML administration towards the long standing problem of these commuters. Those present at the occasion seemed amused by this agitation.

There were problems galore behind all this fun. Hrushikesh Yewalekar of PBPS said, "These protest was part of our attempts to get good services. This is a problem affecting whole of the city. We had submitted a statement with 1000 signatures to PMPML officials to give regular service. But no action has been taken. Therefore we have to take this step." According to Yewalekar, based on the norms, 2000 buses are required for the Pune but there are only 850 buses.

Abhijeet K., another activist from the organisation said, "We organise regular events and create public awareness. We had submitted a memoraundum to Deputy General Manager of PMPML some time ago and he had promised us that time tables of PMPML buses will be in place before 13 April. But almost a month later, we have still to see the fulfilment of that promise. Therfore we resorted to this kind of agitation."

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The Mock Rules

• The administration is not responsible for someone getting heart attack in case a bus comes at scheduled time.
• There is no sure thing in life. Hence do not be sure that the bus will come ever.
• If four buses to a particular destinastion come at same time, take only one bus. Don’t try to sit in two buses. Please be clear, it will attract double charge.
• If the bus does not come even after waiting for two hours, take your bike and go to the desired destination.
• Ticket fare is charged for entering the bus and not for sitting therein.
• The bus can fail any time in travel. Please co-operate to push it.
• The time table can change any time without prior notice.
• An accurate and clear time table has been posted specially for the convenience of the public. Therefore do not enquire in the office about the same.
• The travel is free for persons above 138 years of age.
• We are disposed towards the public service, so there is no need to be tahnkful for it.