As the festive season begins, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced a temporary 10% fare hike across most of its buses. The hike will remain in effect from October 15 to November 5, 2025. Scroll down to know more about this latest development.
MSRTC Announces Temporary Bus Fare Hike During Festive Season
As per a report by The Free Press Journal, this decision by MSRTC aims to capitalise on the Diwali travel rush. With bus bookings rising as people head home to reunite with families, authorities announced a 10% hike in ticket fares across most services. However, the air-conditioned Shivneri and Shivai buses are exempt from this temporary rule.
The revised fares will apply to popular categories including Ordinary, Semi-Luxury, Sleeper, Shivshahi (AC Seater) and JanShivneri (AC Seater). Reportedly, the corporation said the move is part of its variable pricing strategy during peak demand periods. An MSRTC official shared with The Free Press Journal that this is not the first time such a hike has been introduced. Every year, a temporary fare increase is implemented during the festive season. The official called it nothing ‘unusual’.
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The Fare Hike Will Remain In Effect Until November 5
Passengers whose journeys begin after 12 am on October 15 will be charged the revised fare. Those who booked tickets in advance for travel after October 15 will need to pay the difference at the time of boarding. According to the same report, monthly and quarterly pass holders, as well as student pass users, will remain unaffected. They will continue travelling at existing rates.
From November 6 onwards, MSRTC will charge passengers the original fares. Reportedly, normal fares, last revised on January 25, 2025, with a 14.95% hike due to rising fuel and maintenance costs, will be reinstated from November 6.
The latest hike comes amid rising inflation and a higher cost of living, especially for citizens in flood-affected regions. Still, MSRTC maintains that such temporary hikes are necessary to manage operational costs. Plus, they are also important to meet the surge in demand during the festive period.
Do you think this temporary fare hike by MSRTC is justified? Share your views in the comments below.
Cover Image Courtesy: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, Wikipedia/ Kfam321
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