In a relieving update for Pune’s commuters, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) announced that the contractual drivers who were on strike have officially withdrawn their strike on Sunday. This development has resulted in the resumption of regular bus services, with 1,801 buses back on the city roads from Monday onwards. The move comes as a welcome relief for residents who rely on these buses for their daily commutes.
The strike had been initiated by drivers employed with Travel Time, a contractual firm responsible for providing 200 buses to the PMPML. The sudden strike, which commenced on August 25, had triggered a crisis for the PMPML. In response, officials had to rearrange their duties to manage the situation. PMPML drivers who typically assume administrative roles were temporarily assigned to operate the contractor’s buses in order to minimize disruption and inconvenience for passengers.
The strike’s impact was progressively mitigated as drivers from various depots gradually withdrew their strike. Kothrud Depot drivers ended their strike on August 26, while those from Pune Railway Station and Wagholi depot followed suit on Sunday. Throughout the strike period, PMPML officials made concerted efforts to maintain bus services as closely to schedule as possible. This proactive approach helped minimize the disruption experienced by passengers.
Despite the challenges posed by the strike, PMPML’s services were able to operate with minimal disruption. The city’s buses remained operational, contributing to a steady revenue stream for the organization. According to PMPML officials, on Sunday, a total of 1,617 buses were operational, generating a revenue of Rs 1.53 Crore. This followed Saturday’s figures, with 1,589 buses in operation and a revenue of Rs 1.70 Crore earned. On Friday, 1,602 buses were deployed, resulting in a revenue of Rs 1.78 Crore.
The withdrawal of the strike by contractual drivers has restored a sense of normalcy to Pune’s public transportation system. Commuters can now rely on the availability of buses to conveniently navigate the city for their various activities. With the collective efforts of all parties involved, PMPML has been successful in overcoming the challenges posed by the strike, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the public transportation network in Pune.
