The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) announced on Thursday the introduction of monthly and quarterly pass schemes for passengers using its electric bus services.
Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik said the initiative aims to benefit regular commuters who travel daily on fixed routes for work or business. The move also seeks to promote the use of clean and eco-friendly public transport, according to an official statement.
At present, MSRTC operates 448 electric buses under its e-bus project and 50 e-buses under the Shivai initiative. The government plans to further expand this electric fleet in the future.
“There has been growing demand from passengers for a pass system on e-buses. Responding to this, MSRTC has launched the scheme to make commuting more affordable and convenient,” Sarnaik said.
E-Bus Pass Scheme Highlights:
Applicable for 9-metre and 12-metre e-buses, and e-Shivai services. (Note: The luxury e-Shivneri service is excluded.)
Monthly Pass: Valid for 30 days; priced at the cost of 20 round trips on the chosen route.
Quarterly Pass: Valid for 90 days; priced at the cost of 60 round trips.
Pass holders of higher-category e-buses may travel in lower categories such as semi-luxury or ordinary buses.
Pass holders of lower-category services must pay the fare difference if they wish to travel by e-bus.
Sarnaik expressed confidence that the scheme will bring financial relief to daily commuters and encourage greater adoption of eco-friendly, comfortable electric transport options.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Sarnaik stated that the state government is positive about addressing the demands raised by MSRTC employees. Speaking at a meeting with workers’ unions at Mantralaya, he said the staff’s demands were “justified” and assured that discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar would follow.
The meeting was attended by MSRTC Managing Director Dr. Madhav Kusekar, Joint Secretary Rajendra Holkar, and several union representatives including Sandeep Shinde, Sameer More, Shrirang Barge, Hanumant Tate, Prakash Nimbalkar, Mukesh Tigote, and Pradeep Dhurandhar.
Sarnaik added that the government is likely to take a positive decision on pending issues such as dearness allowance, house rent allowance, arrears, and the Diwali festival advance—dues amounting to approximately ₹4,400 crore, pending since 2018.
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