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State cracks down on arbitrary bus fare hikes and illegal booking apps in Maharashtra
The Maharashtra state transport department ordered action against private bus operators for arbitrary fare hikes and against unauthorised booking apps. A special committee was formed to study fare regulation and improve passenger grievance mechanisms, with additional measures to improve depot cleanliness and provide free toilets at MSRTC bus stations from June 1.
Why It Matters
The move aims to protect commuters from price gouging during peak travel times and to establish oversight over booking apps, potentially reducing financial harassment and improving public transport service quality.
Timeline
3 Events
Free toilets at MSRTC bus stations announced; implementation date June 1
May 14, 2026
Sarnaik announced that toilets at all MSRTC bus stations across Maharashtra will be made free for passengers starting June 1.
Directives to bolster passenger grievance systems and signage
May 12, 2026
Sarnaik directed the transport department to strengthen passenger grievance systems at bus stations and to improve communication by displaying dedicated contact numbers for passenger assistance and complaints. He also directed officials to issue a circular ensuring the use of grammatically correct Marathi and updated village names across transport department records and signages.
High-level meeting establishes crackdown plan and committee
May 12, 2026
A high-level meeting chaired by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on May 12, 2026 decided to take strict action against private bus operators involved in arbitrary fare hikes and against unauthorized passenger booking apps. It announced the formation of a special committee, comprising the joint transport commissioner and three representatives from Surajya Abhiyan, tasked with preparing a detailed report on controlling excessive fare hikes, regulating illegal booking apps, and improving the passenger complaint redressal mechanism. The minister stated that the committee's recommendations will be implemented on a priority basis by the state government, addressing complaints of price gouging during festivals and peak travel periods.