It is time to start thinking of Free Bus Days! 

Pune is currently facing significant challenges related to air pollution and traffic congestion. The annual Environment Status Report (ESR) 2022-23 published by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) records as many as 35 lakh number of vehicles registered in the city! 

Pune Air Action Hub, a group of citizens and organisations concerned about Pune’s deteriorating air quality and traffic choking the city, proposes the implementation of "Free Bus Days". This initiative aims to encourage citizens to use public transportation, reduce private vehicle usage, and thus improve air quality and ease traffic congestion on our roads.

Some compelling reasons to make bus commutes free are:

1. Better Public Health: for a significant reduction in private vehicles and hence the air pollutants emitted, which directly translates to better respiratory health and overall enhanced quality of life for all citizens. 
2. Reduce congestion: as buses carry far more people than cars, reducing number of cars on road. Did you know that the space required to transport 60 people needs 60 private cars, but ONLY 1 public bus?! 
3. Less Parking: Public buses greatly reduce the need for parking spaces. This not only reduces costs on parking infrastructure but also opens up spaces which can be used for better community purposes.
4. Supports Non-Motorised Transport: Increased bus use reduces private vehicles, freeing up road space for better footpaths and cycle tracks, promoting walking and cycling which are non-polluting.
5. Promotion of Public Spaces: Public buses encourage walking to and from stops, leading to vibrant and pedestrian-friendly public spaces and attractive urban environments.
6. Climate Impact: decreasing the number of vehicles on the road reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
7. Behavioural Change: encouraging people to experience the convenience and benefits of public transport.
8. Equity: bridging the gap between different socio-economic groups, granting equal access to opportunities to all members of the community.
9. Community Engagement: Free Bus Days can serve as a platform to engage communities, educate citizens about the importance and benefits of public transportation, and promote a sense of shared responsibility.

The petition started on the occasion of International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on Sept 7th, extended our efforts to the World Car-Free Day on Sept 22nd, and we now continue to push for Free Bus Days to emphasize the importance of sustainable transportation, and raise awareness of the linkage between the use of public transportation and clean air.

Encouraging people to rethink their daily commute and consider alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling, walking and using public transport, as a way to show commitment to sustainability. We are very excited to share that PMPML is on board with the suggestion and has given the nod provided the two Corporations compensate for the day’s revenue.

Both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad fail to meet the national standards of air quality, and both the cities are growing exponentially with growth in population and rise in private vehicles, resulting in excessive emissions.

With these 9 and many more compelling reasons in front of us, are we truly trying to do something about this urgent need?

We urge you, as a citizen of Pune, to endorse this initiative by signing our petition to the Commissioner of PMC and PCMC, signifying a strong commitment to addressing air pollution and its adverse effects, and ensuring a cleaner and better environment for all.