MSRTC Increases Bus fares by 14.95%
Summary: Bus rates per 6 kilometers will rise by 14.95 percent, according to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
The MSRTC bus prices have been increased by 14.95% on all routes by the state transport body, effective from Saturday.
An MSRTC official said, "The cost of machinery and equipment has gone up. Hence, a decision was taken to increase the fares. We have been in discussion with the state govt since last year regarding the same.”
With a fleet of about 15,000 buses, the state transport agency currently serves about 55 lakh passengers per day. These consist of semi-luxury, luxury, and regular buses.
The current e-Shivneri bus cost of Rs 535 from Swargate bus station to Dadar is anticipated to rise to Rs 615 after the hike. According to sources in the transport organization, the cost of a semi-luxury Shivshahi bus from Swargate to Solapur is anticipated to rise from Rs 555 to Rs 638.
Since the epidemic, the transport body has suffered significant losses. MSRTC's services were severely disrupted by a five- to six-month strike. The transport body suffered a loss of almost Rs 4,000 crore as a result of the strike. After nine years, MSRTC reported a profit of Rs 16.86 crore in August of last year.
Travelers claimed they would be severely impacted by the fare increase. "Prices of all commodities have increased. MSRTC services have become bad over the years. So, why is the transport body increasing fares? This will increase our burden," said a regular traveler from Pune to Mumbai.