Mumbai: Bus travel across Maharashtra has become costlier from July 18, with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) implementing a 13.56% increase in fares after receiving approval from the State Transport Authority (STA). The revised fare structure came into effect from midnight between July 17 and July 18.

The fare revision applies to almost all categories of MSRTC services, including ordinary buses, semi-luxury buses, Shivshahi AC services and Shivneri premium buses. According to the corporation, the increase has been introduced to offset rising operational costs, including higher diesel prices, maintenance expenses, employee allowances and tyre costs.

Revised fare chart

Under the new fare structure, passengers will pay Rs 11.40 per stage for ordinary buses, Rs 13.65 for semi-luxury services, Rs 15.50 for ordinary sleeper-seater buses and Rs 16.75 for ordinary sleeper buses.

For premium services, Shivshahi AC seater buses will charge Rs 14.20 per stage, while Shivshahi AC sleeper buses will cost Rs 15.35 per stage. Shivneri AC seater fares have been fixed at Rs 21.25 per stage, and Shivneri AC sleeper fares at Rs 25.35 per stage. Ticket prices will continue to be rounded off to the nearest Rs 5.

Ticket prices increase on major routes

Passengers travelling on several popular inter-city routes will see higher ticket prices.

The Mumbai–Satara fare has increased from Rs 498 to Rs 555, while the Mumbai–Kolhapur ticket now costs Rs 755, up from Rs 730. The Mumbai–Solapur fare has risen from Rs 705 to Rs 800.

On other routes, the Pune–Solapur fare has increased from Rs 454 to Rs 480, while the Nashik–Pune ticket has gone up from Rs 410 to Rs 425.

Why fares have increased

MSRTC said the fare revision was necessary due to sustained increases in diesel prices, maintenance and spare parts costs, employee allowances and tyre expenses. The corporation also stated that the revision would help ensure its long-term financial sustainability while continuing to provide transport services across the state.

Seasonal surcharge withdrawn

Alongside the fare revision, MSRTC has withdrawn the 10% seasonal surcharge that had been levied on ordinary bus services. The surcharge had earlier been extended until the end of July but has now been discontinued.

MSRTC operates a fleet of more than 14,000 buses and carries approximately 55 lakh passengers every day, making it one of India's largest public road transport networks.