Pune

By Pmpml City Bus

City buses in Pune are run by the PMPML (http://www.pmpml.org/PMPML/). Although the vehicles are crowded and smoke-belching, the network is very extensive. Almost all parts of the city are connected by the PMPML city buses. Major city bus stands include Corporation, Shivaji Nagar, Swargate, Kothrud depot, Nigdi, Hadapsar, Katraj and Deccan. Shivaji Nagar is believed to be the busiest bus stand in the state of Maharashtra. The fare is calculated by distance, and ranges from Rs 5 14 US cents to Rs 22 40 US cents.

By Two-Wheelers

This city was once known as the city of bicycles, but now it has turned into the city of motorcycles. Most traffic rules are completely ignored in Pune, since there are ten times as many two-wheelers as there are cars. Lane discipline is generally tough to follow because of this reason. The general attitude towards riding motorbikes in the city is that of total ignorance of any set forth traffic regulations along with complete disregard of one's safety not wearing a helmet. Here people ride motorbikes as if they are riding a war horse and will generally try to overtake every vehicle in front. Minor accidents on motorbikes are common; You are advised to be careful even when your signal is green as the traffic flow from other direction generally does not stop immediately.

Pune's roads might turn to horrid potholes from smooth tarmac in matter of seconds when it rains. Always be on a lookout. If you are driving a car always be careful, since motorbike riders may overtake you from left or right and cut lanes without warning. Of late, there has been an improvement by addition of a number of bicycle tracks all over.

That said, if you do want to hire a two wheeler, there are two outfits who rent '2 wheels' in Pune. A 100cc Bajaj Platina will cost 200 INR a day and an automatic Honda scooter will cost 300 INR. If you are planning on day trips from Pune you would be best with the larger wheels and light weight of a motorcycle rather than a scooter. Both outfits will most likely deliver to your accommodation if you ask nicely.

Mehta Autos

Mr Mukesh Mehta, 451 Somwar Peth Nr Khadiche Maidan Chowk, Behind Apollo Talkies cinema, Somwar Peth, Pune - 411002. Tel - +91-20-26127864/ +91-9371026288

Blossoms

Mr Shakeel Shaikh, 15, Bund Garden Road, Bund Garden Road, Pune - 411001. Tel +91-9890829786

And after so many calls and MMS.RTO/police can fine them as heavily as 50rs for refusal of service.

Auto Fare Calculator

If you feel the above is too complex to get around, try the Auto Fare Calculator at (http://www.taxiautofare.com). They not only provide with the current Auto Fares, but also give you a facility to estimate you fare before travelling. You can enter in the travel points and get a detailed route on a Google Map. The service can also be used to calculate Taxi and Cab provider fares in Pune like 'Wings Radio cabs' and 'Cel cabs'.

Pune Darshan

Pune Darshan buses are run by the PMPML and provide a guided tour of the city. Only two Pune Darshan services are air-conditioned. The buses go around Pune and cost Rs 72 per head for the General bus and Rs 140 per head for the Luxury Bus. The tour starts at 9 AM and ends by 5 PM and more information about these tours can be found by visiting the website (http://www.pmpml.org/PMPM...) or by calling the office at: 020-32930008 / 020-25510069Deccan. The route of the bus is as follows:

Pune Station - Pataleshwar - University of Pune - Chaturshringi - Ambedkar Museum - Tilak Museum - Shaniwar Wada - Lal Mahal - Dagdu Seth Halwai Ganpati - Phule Waada - Saras Garden - Peshwa Zoo - Mahalaxmi Temple - Swami Vivekanand Museum - Snake Park - Mahadji Scindia's Chatri - National War Museum - Tribal Museum - Osho Garden[ Park - Aga Khan Palace - Deccan Gymkhana - Pune City Station.

By Auto-Rickshaws

There is also a huge army of three wheeled rickshaws. There are some prepaid rickshaw stands at Shivajinagar, Swargate Bus Depot and Lohegaon Airport. Nevertheless, always demand that they use the meter and that they show you the sheet of paper referred as Tariff Card which converts the rickshaw meter readings to the actual cost in rupees. As of Nov 2011 the conversion equation is : Cost = 10 * Reading + 1, where "Cost" is the actual fare in rupees and "Reading" is the meter reading which is supposed to be Kilometers traveled. Thus a 2 on the meter is actually Rs 10*2 + 1 = Rs 21. Or a 3.50 on the meter is Rs 3.5*10 + 1 = Rs 36.

The driver may occasionally stop to ask for directions depending on how familiar he is with the area. All rickshaws plying in the Municipal Corporation limits are supposed to charge fare according to tariff card. Most of the times they will try to charge you a little extra but that won't be too much. You can very well argue with them based on the conversion equation stated above, and sometimes they will agree to it.

Now a days, many auto rickshaw drivers try to charge extra for long distances or very short distances, or they refuse the fare. If they realise you are not from the city, they may try to take longer routes to the destination to charge extra money from you. Thus, outsiders and foreigners, use your own judgement before boarding any auto rickshaw. Stick to the demand of charging by meter and refuse strongly to pay any extra amount, unless it is midnight. Autorickshaw drivers may also refuse to travel to quite a few parts of the city as per their convenience; however, this is against the law if their meter reads "on hire" in the upright position. If the sign is turned sideways, the rickshaw driver is not technically working and can refuse you.

It is very common for rickshaw drivers plying between 11 PM and 6 AM to demand 1.5 times the normal rates for the journey. You are advised to get this cleared with the driver before boarding the rickshaw. It is also sometimes advisable to flag a rickshaw from the streets if practical and possible instead of boarding one from the stands as often, rickshaw drivers waiting in stands demand more fare.

If you have complaints against auto drivers for not accepting short distance rides or any rides, asking more meter fare, not using a meter, taking other passengers along the way, carrying more passengers than allowed capacity, stopping at bus stands or other similar complaints of serious nature, you can email or call the Road Transport Authorities at 020-22051414 or 020-27492828 PCMC or email [email protected]. Traffic cops usually come right away to the spot to book a complaint against the driver. Commuters can also send their MMS pictures at +91 9420218338. The complaints should clearly mention all details including the auto’s registration number, the time of taking the rickshaw, details of auto fare, the distance commuted, locations, date, time, nature of complaint.

By Suburban Rail

The Pune Suburban Railway connects Pune to Lonavala, a small town en-route to Mumbai. There is only one line with seventeen stations; a second monorail line is under consideration by the government. Here is a list of all the stations, east to west. The places of interest are listed in brackets. Italics indicate the various modes of transport available at the destination station.

Pune City MRSTC, City Bus Stand, Autos, Taxis, PMC

Shivaji Nagar MRSTC, Shivaji Nagar Bus Stand, Autos, PMC

Khadki Ammunition Factory, BDL, Ring Sights India Pvt Ltd

Dapodi CME Museum

Kasarwadi Air Vents & Glass Factory

Pimpri Pimpri Plant, TATA Plant

Chinchwad Bride Industries Ltd

Akurdi Force Motors Plant, Bajaj Tempo

Dehu Rd Army AOC & ASC 512 Base repair Depots

Begdewadi Loco Sheds

Ghorawadi

Talegaon Muhammad Ali Rd, CRPF

Wadgaon PWD bungalow

Kanhe

Kamshet

Malwali