The most recent transport related issue in Pune media is the controversial proposal by PMPML to purchase about 250 buses (including AC buses) under a public-private partnership (PPP), overturning an earlier decision to buy about 650 normal semi low-floor buses. The controversy has centred around the way the new purchase orders were given – based on a letter from the Secretary to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra – whereas the earlier proposal to purchase buses by PMPML was in accordance with the procedures and norms laid down by JNNURM which is funding the bulk of the purchase. The controversy also extends to whether PMPML should own the buses or whether private parties should, and whether AC buses – which cost a lot more – are required when even the basic bus service is not being provided to any degree of satisfaction.

PMPML bus fares were a hot topic of discussion over the last 0-10 months. First, PMPML increased its fares when diesel prices went up in the middle of last year (2008). This increase was disproportionately high compared to the diesel price rise. Later, when diesel prices dropped, PMPML reluctantly decreased its fares after much hue and cry, but this time the decrease was disproportionately little. Many citizens' groups, including Parisar, having been protesting regularly against such ill-treatment of PMPML commuters, who are often from the poorer segments of society, when improving the efficiency and performance of PMPML can yield far greater returns. Moreover, preliminary analysis suggests that the fare hike has not helped PMPML much in terms increasing its revenues due to a fall in ridership.

Pune was host to a 3-day workshop on cycle inclusive planning in cities organized by I-CE. Parisar played an important role in helping to organize the workshop, which was held on 6th and 7th March, 2009 at Yashada, Pune. Participants from many cities in India - Nanded, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Bangalore, apart from Pune - participated in the workshop.

Parisar was involved in organizing a cycle rally to celebrate World Car Free Day 2008. As part of this, cyclists began at four different locations in the city - Camp, Shaniwar Wada, Aundh and Kothrud - and converged to a central location at Sambhaji Park. About 150 cyclists and representatives of various citizen's groups participated in the event.