As the Diwali season ushers in a wave of travelers heading to their hometowns, private bus operators in Pune have come under scrutiny for alleged overcharging during the festive rush.
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has stepped in, setting fares for State Transport (ST) buses and instructing private bus operators to charge no more than one and a half times the ST bus fare in a bid to address the issue of exorbitant pricing.
Pune witnesses a significant surge in passengers during Diwali, with over five hundred private buses departing daily for various parts of Maharashtra and an additional 500 buses departing from Mumbai. Responding to the heightened demand, certain private bus operators have reportedly hiked their fares to more than double the usual rates on the eve of Diwali, causing inconvenience to passengers.
Government guidelines allow private passenger buses to charge up to one and a half times the per-kilometer fare of an ST bus. Nevertheless, complaints have emerged regarding certain operators imposing arbitrary charges during peak and festive seasons. In a move to regulate fares and ensure fair pricing, the RTO has established Diwali rates for ST buses, urging private operators to comply with these pricing guidelines. The RTO has also issued a warning that failure to adhere may result in legal consequences.
On the other side of the issue, bus associations have long advocated for the RTO to officially set private passenger bus fares. They argue that having an official rate would not only shield operators from arbitrary actions but also streamline the fare collection process.
Sanjeev Bhor, the Regional Transport Officer-in-Charge, stressed the importance of compliance with instructed fares by private buses, including those operating through mobile applications like Red Bus and Abhibus. Failure to do so may result in legal repercussions.
Balasaheb Khedekar, President of the Pune District Luxury Bus Association, reiterated the need for the RTO to establish official fare rates for private passenger buses during the Diwali season. Khedekar emphasized that an official rate would bring clarity, prevent arbitrary actions, and ensure a smoother process for both operators and passengers.
To address overcharging concerns, the RTO has introduced a direct complaint mechanism for passengers. Complaints can be filed via WhatsApp at 8275330101 or through email at [email protected]. Passengers are encouraged to provide details such as their full name, mobile number, travel route, bus number, bus type, photographs of the bus, and ticket information for effective resolution of their complaints.
