No Fare Loot During Ganeshotsav; RTO Tightens Noose on Private Buses
Pune : The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has launched a special inspection drive against private passenger buses allegedly charging fares above the rates prescribed by the government during the Ganeshotsav period.
The drive will be conducted from September 11 to 26, 2026, following complaints that some private travel operators and bus owners are charging passengers excessive fares for travel during the festival.
As part of the campaign, RTO officials have been directed to take action against private passenger bus operators found charging fares higher than the prescribed limits.
As per the applicable fare norms, private contract carriage buses cannot charge more than 50 per cent above the prevailing stage-carriage fare of the corresponding category of buses operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). At the same time, the fare charged by a private bus should not exceed one-and-a-half times the MSRTC passenger ticket fare.
The RTO has urged private bus owners and drivers to ensure that all vehicle-related documents are valid and updated before operating services during the festival period.
Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad appealed to private bus operators to comply with the prescribed fare structure and ensure that passengers are not charged excessive fares.
Passengers who are charged excess fares or face any difficulty during their journey can lodge complaints with the RTO. Complainants have been asked to provide their name, mobile phone number and a photograph of the ticket while submitting the complaint.
Complaints can be registered by contacting 8275330101 or by sending an email to mh12prosecution.rtopune@gmail.com.
The RTO has urged passengers to retain their tickets and report instances of overcharging so that appropriate action can be taken against erring private bus operators.
