The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Thursday decided to cancel the Diwali seasonal fare hike, giving much-needed relief to the passengers travelling on Diwali. However, the private bus operators association has decided to increase travel fares by about 15 per cent.
Every year on Diwali, fares are increased by 10 to 15 per cent by the MSRTC. Attempts are made by the ST corporation to obtain additional revenue. However, the state transport administration has cancelled the Diwali fare hike this year to avoid financial woes for ordinary passengers due to the covid crisis. Private travels operate bus services from Aurangabad to Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune, Latur, Solapur, Indore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and other routes. Before corona, 140 travel buses were plying daily to various cities, but at present only 40 buses are running. ST is running at full seating capacity. However, only 50 per cent seating capacity is allowed for private buses. As a result, private travels are facing financial difficulties.
Left with no option
Travels business has suffered losses in the past few months. There is still no crowd of bus passengers. Therefore, the rent will have to be increased during the Diwali period to make up for the loss. The fare hike will be around 15 per cent, said Rajan Houzwala, president of the Bus Owners and Travels Agents Welfare Association.