As Diwali approaches, a huge increase in private bus fares in Maharashtra

When will the looting of passengers stop ?, Surajya Abhiyan asks Maharashtra State Transport Commissioner

Mumbai – Before the start of the Diwali festival, private bus operators are looting passengers by increasing the ticket fares again this year. There is a common perception that during holidays and festivals, one has to pay higher fares.

In 2018, the State Government issued an order fixing the bus fares for passengers; but even after 6 years the situation remains the same. The order provided two contact numbers [phone] and 1800220110 for complaints against private bus operators who charged higher fares but these are no longer functioning. Why are these not functioning ? All this amounts to exploiting the passengers. Mr Abhishek Murukate (Maharashtra State Coordinator of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s Surajya Abhiyan) asked – “When will this looting of passengers stop ?” and appealed to the Maharashtra State Transport Commissioner.

The appeal states the following :

1. Some Regional Transport Offices (RTO) have announced a WhatsApp Helpline number for complaints. If the Commissioner’s office has issued an order for this, why have other RTO’s not declared the helpline numbers ?

2. When we met the transport officials and asked about the action taken against private bus operators who charge higher fares,  we were told that they have not received any complaints. If the helplines for complaints are not functioning, how will complaints be received ? Action should be taken against such irresponsible officials.

3. A Committee was formed on 5^th April 2023 to frame the ‘Maharashtra Regulations of Aggregator Rules 2022’ to regulate ‘App’ and ‘Web-based Aggregators’ as well; but no report has been submitted by the Committee as yet. When will the Government submit it and when will its work be done ? How much will this delay affect the passengers ? When will the Government consider this ?