With Diwali just days away, Pune is witnessing a sharp rise in private bus fares, leaving passengers struggling to secure affordable tickets. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Pune, responding to numerous passenger complaints, has initiated special inspection squads to monitor and curb unfair fare hikes. As the holiday rush intensifies, many travellers have reported exorbitant fares, some reaching ₹3,500 per ticket for routes like Pune to Nagpur, making travel financially challenging for families hoping to reunite for the festive season. To maintain fairness, the RTO mandates that private bus operators cannot exceed 1.5 times the standard Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) ticket prices.
The heightened demand has also spurred an influx of passengers at Pune’s railway station, pushing some to turn to private agents who often resell train tickets at inflated rates. One passenger disclosed paying ₹2,000 per ticket for a journey to Bhopal, a route that generally costs around ₹750. This scenario underscores a broader issue within the city’s transport infrastructure, where passengers frequently grapple with unregulated price surges during peak travel seasons. Through its crackdown, the Pune RTO aims to restore balance, offering relief to those burdened by rising travel costs.
Beyond price regulation, this initiative signals a commitment to sustainable urban transport. Overloading, often reported on private buses, not only endangers passengers but also impacts fuel efficiency, contributing to increased emissions. By enforcing stricter adherence to passenger limits, the RTO aligns with Pune’s broader environmental goals, promoting safer and more sustainable travel choices as the city strives to control vehicular emissions and alleviate congestion.
The RTO’s enforcement of regulated fares highlights a civic responsibility to ensure residents can travel home for Diwali without financial strain. Public oversight is essential to curb exploitation within Pune’s transport network, especially when festive demand drives operators to capitalise on citizens’ holiday plans. As the RTO’s squads continue their monitoring efforts, travellers are hopeful that the civic framework will uphold equitable access to safe and sustainable transportation, preserving the spirit of Diwali for all.
