Passengers traveling from Mumbai to Pune on a Shivneri bus on December 2 were met with unexpected challenges, including a delayed departure, unscheduled halts, disagreements, and last-minute changes. Typically a swift four-hour journey, this particular trip extended to seven hours, leaving frustrated commuters in its wake.
Before boarding, complications arose as passengers were informed of a delayed initial bus at the Borivali stand. They were directed to board an alternative bus parked elsewhere, sparking a 20-minute search. Tensions flared upon discovery of seat occupancy issues, with passengers engaging in heated arguments to secure their reserved spots.
Departing Mumbai, the driver deviated from the usual practice, making stops at every bus stop to accommodate additional passengers. This contradicted regulations restricting MSRTC buses to designated locations, creating discomfort among travelers. Notably, the bus lacked a conductor, and the driver personally collected fares from passengers during the journey.
Adding to the disarray, an unidentified man entered the bus, collected money from new passengers, but failed to provide tickets. It wasn’t until 11.30 pm that passengers realized they were at the expressway food mall, significantly behind schedule.
Passengers confronted the driver, questioning the deviations from standard protocol. The driver insisted that MSRTC had authorized stops at all locations, leaving passengers puzzled about the service quality compared to private buses.
The Shivneri service has faced persistent complaints of delays, prompting a deeper examination by transport experts. Intercity buses play a vital role in a robust transit system, offering cost-effective, space-efficient travel directly to destination city centers.
Authorities acknowledged the breach of protocol, emphasizing that stopping anywhere is not permitted, even if some buses with conductors violate this rule. Passengers are encouraged to report complaints via ([email protected] and [email protected]) email addresses, ensuring a thorough investigation.
