India, Sept. 29 -- The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) launched trial runs of its new double-decker buses last week, but the initiative faced an unexpected setback: not a single passenger boarded during Friday's public trial, with many put off by the Rs.100 ticket fare.

The first trial for passengers covered a 4-kilometre stretch through central Pune. Despite initial excitement, commuters found the fare too steep for such a short ride and chose not to participate. The buses ran empty, raising questions about PMPML's fare policy and public engagement strategy.

Kedar Mane, a daily commuter, said, " Rs.100 for a short trial ride is unreasonable. If PMPML really wanted feedback, they should have made it free or at least ...