Maharashtra Cracks Down on Private Bus Fare Hikes

Mumbai, May 13 (PTI) Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday directed officials to take strict action against private bus operators indulging in arbitrary fare hikes and unauthorised passenger booking applications.



Chairing a meeting at the ministry, Sarnaik announced the formation of a special committee comprising the joint transport commissioner and three representatives of Surajya Abhiyan (a non-government organisation) to suggest long-term measures and address grievances related to private bus services and illegal booking apps.

The committee will submit a detailed report on controlling fare hikes, curbing unauthorised apps and strengthening mechanisms for passenger complaints, the minister said.

The state government was serious about complaints regarding illegal fare increases by private passenger transport operators, particularly during festivals and holiday seasons, he said.



"Strict action must be taken against bus operators exploiting passengers financially. Passenger exploitation will not be tolerated under any circumstances," Sarnaik said.




According to the minister, complaints have been received that several private travel companies were operating bookings through unauthorised mobile applications and charging exorbitant fares during peak travel periods.

Sarnaik also instructed officials to strengthen communication systems at bus stations and ensure contact numbers for passenger assistance are displayed prominently at all depots.



He further directed the transport department to issue a circular on officially renamed villages and ensure grammatically correct Marathi language usage in official communication.



Referring to complaints about unhygienic conditions in buses and bus stations of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), the minister said concrete steps were being taken to improve cleanliness standards permanently.



He announced that toilets at all MSRTC bus stations would be made free for passengers from June 1.