Pune: Metro Ridership Surges 11% Post PMPML Fare Hike, Train Frequency to Increase Soon

Pune Metro has witnessed an 11% surge in ridership in the first 16 days of June compared to the same period in May, as thousands of daily commuters opt for the metro over Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses following a recent fare hike.

According to data shared by Hindustan Times, the metro’s daily ridership has increased by over 16,000 passengers, totaling 1.13 lakh additional commuters this month. The shift comes after PMPML raised bus fares from June 1, making metro travel a more affordable and efficient alternative.

Commuters Prefer Metro for Affordability & Comfort

Transport experts highlight that the fare difference on key routes has driven the shift. For instance:

• Pimpri to Ramwadi: PMPML (₹50) vs. Metro (₹35)
• Pimpri to Swargate: Metro is ₹10 cheaper than PMPML

A commuter, said, “The bus fare hike made PMPML unaffordable. The metro is not only cheaper but also faster and more comfortable—no traffic stress or overcrowding.”

PMPML Denies Fare Hike as Sole Reason for Ridership Drop

PMPML officials argue that other factors, such as monsoon disruptions and college reopenings, also influence ridership. PMPML’s traffic planner, stated, “We cannot directly link the decline to fare hikes.”

Hemant Sonawane, PMPML’s PR director, added, “Metro ridership is rising, but attributing it solely to fare revision is inaccurate.”

PMPML recently discontinued old passes and introduced new weekly (₹70/₹150) and pricier monthly passes, further burdening regular passengers.

Pune Metro to Increase Train Frequency Soon

To accommodate growing demand, Pune Metro plans to:

• Reduce peak-hour frequency from 7 to 6 minutes (8–11 AM)
• Improve non-peak frequency to 8 minutes (currently 10–15 mins)

Hemant Sonawane of Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation said, “We aim to eventually reduce headway to 5 minutes. This will attract more riders deterred by long waits,” reported Indian Express.

Commuters welcomed the move. One passenger at District Court station said, “Missing a train means a 10-minute wait. Increased frequency will save time.” Another added, “Peak-hour crowding justifies higher frequency, but non-peak may not need it yet.”