Pune: The reliability of the city’s public bus service is worsening. The number of PMPML buses that broke down in the first nine months of the year exceeded the total for all of 2025.According to the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), 22,036 buses suffered mechanical failures on the city’s roads from Jan 1 to Sept 30. In comparison, 21,590 buses broke down in 2025.This is the latest in a string of bad years for PMPML. In 2022, the transport body reported 14,015 instances of buses breaking down. That number climbed to 17,784 in 2023 and 21,023 in 2024. “This year has been particularly bad, and the numbers could be the highest in the past four to five years, if not longer,” a senior official said.The official said PMPML buses operated by private contractors accounted for a majority of the breakdowns. “Buses operated by private contractors account for a significant share of the problem, averaging around 2,500 breakdowns per month,” the official added.PMPML officials blamed the worsening problem on improper maintenance of buses, particularly by private contractors. Currently, 11 private contractors operate 1,280 buses for the transport body — nearly 65% of its total fleet.One official said even if the buses were in perfect running condition, the fleet is not big enough to serve Pune.“Contractors have repeatedly been directed to maintain their vehicles properly, but the problems persist. Measures such as fast-charging e-buses during the day have been introduced, but they are not enough,” the official said.The issue is eroding Pune commuters’ faith in the transport body. “I avoid PMPML buses because of reliability concerns, and the problem is not limited to electric vehicles,” Fatimanagar resident Subhaan Ansar said, adding that PMPML can offer a world-class service if it fixes these problems.Ashok Parmar of Pimpri, who has experienced his share of bus breakdowns, said govt should consider privatising the transport utility. “PMPML officials also appear constrained because they depend on PMC and PCMC for funds,” Parmar said.PMPML spokesperson Nagesh Gaikwad said notices are sent regularly to the chief mechanical engineer, as well as the contractors. “Buses operate nearly around the clock and are therefore prone to snags,” he said.But regular bus users are unconvinced. Shailesh Patil, who frequently takes a bus, said PMPML does not appear to have a plan to fix the problem. “They have been issuing notices for a long time, but breakdowns persist,” he said.
