Same bus, different fare: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) faces flak over e-bus pricing

Time of India

18-05-2025

MUMBAI: Passengers and transport experts have raised concerns over the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) charging different fares for electric buses that offer identical facilities, calling the move confusing and unfair, news agency PTI reported.
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The state-run transporter operates a fleet of around 15,000 buses across Maharashtra, including a mix of ordinary, semi-luxury, and premium air-conditioned services. Among them are two types of 12-metre electric intercity buses—E-Shivneri (blue) and E-Shivai (white-green)—both built on the same Olectra CX2 platform.
Despite having the same features such as push-back seats, charging points, and reading lamps, the corporation charges Rs 21.25 per 6 km on E-Shivneri buses, compared to Rs 15.15 per 6 km on E-Shivai services.
The E-Shivneri typically plies the high-demand Mumbai-Pune route, while E-Shivai buses connect cities such as Thane, Alibag, Nashik, and Beed. MSRTC also runs some Greencell-make E-Shivai buses on other intercity routes, which passengers say are functionally similar to the Olectra ones.
Many commuters argue the fare difference is unjustified.
'Changing the colour of a bus's exterior and seat covers does not make it a new brand,' said Rohit Dhende, a bus enthusiast.
'There needs to be a clear distinction in ride quality or service levels to charge differently.'
Passengers say this pricing issue is not limited to electric buses. Ordinary and semi-luxury buses also show minimal difference in features, despite the latter costing 25% more.
'Ordinary buses now have push-back seats and charging ports—things that were once exclusive to semi-luxury buses,' said regular commuter Aditya Rane. 'Why should we still pay extra for the label?'
Transport analyst A V Shenoy called for an overhaul of MSRTC's pricing structure.
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'There are 13 types of services. It's unnecessarily complicated. Fares should be simplified into just four categories based on AC and premium features,' he said, recommending rounded-off pricing in multiples of ?5 to ease transactions.
The issue has caught the attention of officials.
Additional transport commissioner Bharat Kalaskar, who is also secretary of the State Transport Authority, said the body approves fares based on service type, not brand.
'Since you pointed this out, I will check and revert,' he told PTI.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who also chairs the MSRTC, said he would ensure passengers are not unfairly charged.
'If both classes of buses have the same facilities, we will not allow such disparity. Let me look into the technical aspects,' he said.