This fare adjustment, driven by escalating diesel prices among other factors, will take effect at midnight between July 17 and July 18, according to a senior official.
An MSRTC spokesperson clarified that the 13.56% fare increase pertains solely to ordinary buses, while variations exist across different service categories.
The updated fare structure sets the rate for ordinary buses at ₹11.40 per stage, semi-luxury buses at ₹13.65 per stage, ordinary sleeper-seater buses at ₹15.50 per stage, and ordinary sleeper buses at ₹16.75 per stage.
Fares for Shivshahi AC seater and Shivshahi AC sleeper buses have been established at ₹14.20 and ₹15.35 per stage, respectively, while Shivneri AC seater and Shivneri AC sleeper services will be priced at ₹21.25 and ₹25.35 per stage, respectively.
The revised fare charts, rounded to the nearest multiple of ₹5, will take effect from midnight on Friday.
As per MSRTC, fares for ordinary buses on major inter-city routes will rise by ₹15 to ₹25.
For example, the fare from Mumbai to Satara is revised from ₹498 to ₹555, from Mumbai to Kolhapur from ₹730 to ₹755, from Mumbai to Solapur from ₹705 to ₹800, from Pune to Solapur from ₹454 to ₹480, and from Nashik to Pune from ₹410 to ₹425.
The current 10% seasonal fare hike for ordinary buses will be lifted, as stated in a release from the corporation. On July 15, the corporation had previously extended the seasonal fare hike until the end of the month.
The fare revision was approved due to increasing diesel prices amid the geopolitical climate in the Gulf area, rising employee allowances, and higher costs for spare parts, tyres, and vehicle maintenance, according to the release.
This hike is essential for the financial sustainability of the corporation, it noted.
Maharashtra transport minister and MSRTC chairman Pratap Sarnaik indicated that the fare hike was unavoidable.
”The rise in diesel prices, increased employee allowances, and higher maintenance costs made this fare revision essential. The increase has been kept to the minimum possible to lessen the burden on passengers while ensuring the financial viability of MSRTC and uninterrupted services,” he remarked.
Maharashtra ST Employees Congress General Secretary Shrirang Barge welcomed the decision, stating that rounding off ticket fares to the nearest multiple of ₹5 would address the long-standing issue of needing small change, thereby making ticketing more convenient for both passengers and conductors.
MSRTC stands as one of the largest public bus service corporations in the nation, operating a fleet of over 14,000 buses and serving around 55 lakh riders daily.
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