Our Bus, Our Service’: Maharashtra Revamps ST Travel Experience with Passenger-First Initiative

The iconic “Lal Pari” buses, deeply connected to the everyday life of Maharashtra, are set to embark on a renewed journey—marked by improved discipline, sensitivity, and service standards. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced a major passenger-centric initiative titled “Apali Bus, Apali Seva” (Our Bus, Our Service) to transform the travel experience across the state.

The campaign was unveiled by Maharashtra’s Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman, Pratap Sarnaik, who acknowledged that while the number of buses has increased, passenger footfall and revenue have not grown as expected. The initiative aims to rebuild passenger trust and bring a more human touch to public transport services.

Under the new campaign, drivers and conductors will go beyond their traditional roles to act as service-oriented representatives of MSRTC. Emphasis will be placed on bus cleanliness, punctual departures, well-maintained uniforms, and disciplined conduct—not merely as rules, but as reflections of a service mindset.

A key feature of the initiative includes drivers introducing themselves before the journey and informing passengers about routes, stoppages, and estimated travel time. This step is designed to foster better communication and create a more engaging travel experience.

Passengers are also encouraged to actively participate in maintaining service quality by ensuring cleanliness, safeguarding their belongings, and properly storing luggage. The campaign further promotes the use of digital solutions such as NCMC smart cards and online reservations to modernise the travel system.

To address passenger grievances more effectively, MSRTC plans to set up a dedicated mechanism for quick resolution, along with regular service reviews to identify and fix shortcomings.

A New Journey of Trust

Set to roll out across the state from May 1, 2026, the initiative is not just about improving services—it aims to rebuild the bond between MSRTC and its passengers. With this renewed focus, the “Lal Pari” is expected to offer not just faster travel, but a more comfortable, respectful, and reliable journey experience.