Metro Boom Leads to Sharp Decline in PMP Bus Ridership in Pimpri-Chinchwad

Metro Boom Leads:
The rapid, congestion-free and time-saving metro connectivity between Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad has created a major shift in public travel preferences. With the growing popularity of the Pune–Mumbai Metro routes, Pimpri-Chinchwad’s PMPML (Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd.) bus ridership has dropped significantly—by more than 6.5 lakh passengers within just one year.

Metro Becomes the Preferred Choice

Since the launch of the Pune–Pimpri-Chinchwad Metro service in March 2022, daily commuters have increasingly shifted toward the metro due to its speed, safety, punctuality and freedom from traffic congestion. What earlier took more than an hour during peak traffic can now be covered in minutes.

As a result, PMPML has witnessed a sharp drop in passenger numbers between January and September 2024, compared to the same period the previous year.

Jan–Sept 2023 Bus Ridership: 1,03,70,941 passengers

Jan–Sept 2024 Bus Ridership: 97,25,656 passengers

Drop: ~6,45,285 passengers

Passenger Complaints Add to Decline

Passengers say the decline is not only due to metro convenience, but also because of multiple recurring issues within PMP bus operations. Some of the main concerns include:

Higher ticket rates compared to metro

Delays due to traffic congestion

Improper bus frequency and irregular schedules

Increasing breakdowns

Poor bus maintenance and worn-out vehicles

Misbehavior or rude responses from some staff, including drivers and conductors

These issues have reportedly led commuters to consider the metro more reliable, predictable and comfortable.

PMPML Attempts to Recover Ridership

To address the growing gap, PMPML has implemented several corrective initiatives:

Introduction of travel passes and flexible fare options

Extending routes within PMRDA limits to serve more areas

Plans to induct new buses into the fleet soon

Improving operational systems to reduce delays and improve service quality

Officials believe that the addition of new buses and improvement in infrastructure may help PMP regain its passenger base in the coming months.

What Lies Ahead?

With the metro network expanding further, competition for PMPML is expected to intensify. Experts say bus services will continue to play a crucial role in first-mile and last-mile connectivity—but only if reliability, affordability, and service quality improve.

For now, the numbers clearly indicate a growing commuter shift: Metro is quickly becoming the preferred mode of transport in Pimpri-Chinchwad.