MSRTC Workers Reject Government’s Plan to Regularise Maxi Cabs
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) Workers’ Union has strongly opposed the state government’s recent proposal to regularise maxi cabs under its 100-day action plan aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of the state’s transport sector. The government’s move seeks to bring unauthorised maxi cabs, which are small shared vehicles typically carrying 8 to 12 passengers, into the fold of formal regulations. These vehicles have been operating illegally across Maharashtra, raising concerns about their impact on MSRTC’s revenues and potential safety risks for passengers.
The union has expressed alarm over this proposal, arguing that the legalisation of maxi cabs would jeopardise public safety and undermine the service standards of MSRTC. A union leader emphasised, “If maxi cabs are allowed to operate legally, road safety will be at risk, and the MSRTC, known for its reliable and safe services, will suffer.” The workers argue that the addition of maxi cabs to the state’s transportation ecosystem could divert passengers from MSRTC buses, particularly in rural areas, and weaken the corporation’s ability to provide a secure, sustainable service.
In response, MSRTC officials have tried to address the union’s concerns, citing the corporation’s stable performance, which includes catering to 5.8 million daily passengers and generating monthly revenues of ₹900 crore. A senior official pointed out that the MSRTC’s record on safety is commendable, with the corporation reporting just one accident for every 500,000 kilometres travelled, most of which are minor incidents. In contrast, the official argued, private vehicles—including maxi cabs—are more prone to accidents, which are often more severe.
Nevertheless, the union remains resolute in its opposition. They argue that the government’s decision to approve maxi cabs undermines the goals of public transport, which should prioritise safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The workers’ union also called on the government to invest in more buses and strengthen the MSRTC rather than introducing maxi cabs into the public transport system. This isn’t the first time the idea of regularising maxi cabs has been met with resistance. Previous attempts during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government also faced significant pushback from MSRTC employee unions, highlighting the ongoing tension between government transport policies and the interests of workers. Despite the opposition, the Maharashtra government is pushing ahead with plans to regulate maxi cabs as part of broader transport reforms, raising questions about the future dynamics of the state’s transport landscape.
