Four months passed by, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited’ proposed service for commuters is still on the paper.

This is believed that Bharat Sanchar Nigaum Limited office is yet to receive the necessary instructions about the telephone short code for the helpline from the Delhi based central office.

In July, the Union urban development ministry mulled over the introduction of helpline in all cities to provide information on bus services run by local public transport undertaken by the Government. The short code for these would be the same across the country (55220)

The ministry then requested the department of telecommunications to give the nation wide short code that will be same everywhere. Calls to this number would be treated as local calls paid for by the caller. The main aim behind the move is to provide adequate information about bus routes and arrival and departure timings, which will considerably benefit the public, the ministry said.

In July, PMPML executives confirmed the receipt of directions relating to the proposal and made substantial enquiries with BSNL.

The transport body is also ascertaining the progress made by other cities in the project so as to follow their example to speed up matters in the city.

The helpline service will be offered by a call centre operator. In the first round, basic information such as that pertaining to bus schedules, frequency, connection to other routes and fares will be provided. The ministry has asked transport undertakings to work out an income model, which would be based on calls expected daily.