New local transport body chairman and managing director Sachindra Pratap Singh has brought about a slew of changes in the functioning of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML).
The developments include cancelling Saturday leave of all HoDs, giving them the responsibility of 15 depots, and visiting different bus stops regularly to interact with passengers and know the issues.
Earlier, all PMPML officials had a holiday on the weekend.
“The HoDs have been given the responsibility of each depot. They have to visit their respective depots on Saturday for inspection and talk to the depot managers and staffers about the issues faced by them. The HoDs have to ensure smooth operation of the depots and buses,” a PMPML official said.
The major complaints by commuters included air conditioners of EV buses switching off frequently, irregular buses, drivers not stopping the vehicle at a few stops and lack of proper shelters.
“It is good to interact with passengers and know about the issues. The CMD, during his trip on the Aland-Hadapsar route, spoke with students, passengers, drivers and conductors. He also instructed not to send the bus in case of non-functional air conditioners,” another official said.
“The improvements are expected to speed up with passengers directly putting forth their concerns to the senior officials,” he added.
Commuters appreciated the move by PMPML officials. “This should be done on a regular basis. All senior transport body officials should travel to the office in buses so they become aware of the problems faced by passengers. After identifying problems, there should be honest efforts to resolve them,” Pranjit Kande, a PMPML commuter, said.
