School Trips See Potential Hike in Jalgaon, Fueled by ST Bus Fare Discount

Jalgaon: As winter arrives, so too does the season for educational excursions. But this year, Jalgaon schools might have an extra incentive to hit the road, thanks to a 50% discount on bus fares offered by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).

The initiative, designed to educate students about the state, slashes ticket prices in half for schools. Instead of the standard ₹55 per km, schools pay only ₹26, with the MSRTC recouping the remaining 50% from the state government. This cost-saving advantage is expected to fuel a rise in school trip bookings in the region.

"We've already seen over 55 buses carrying students for excursions from various depots in Jalgaon in December alone," revealed an official from the regional office. "And with bookings piling up for the coming months, we anticipate exceeding last year's numbers."

In 2022-23, Jalgaon's depots facilitated trips for students aboard 11 buses. This year, that figure is poised to climb significantly, bringing greater accessibility and affordability to these valuable learning experiences.