MUMBAI: With Diwali approaching, private tourist bus operators are facing allegations of charging passengers two to three times the usual fares. Tickets on some routes have reportedly risen to as much as Rs 7,000, prompting passengers to question the lack of regulation over private bus fares.According to PTI, several passengers have expressed their anger on social media, targeting Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and his department over the alleged failure to control the steep increase in ticket prices.One social media user claimed that fares on a particular route had jumped from Rs 700 to Rs 4,000.“Are there no regulations whatsoever on private bus ticket prices? Fares have reached Rs 6,000-7,000, almost the same as flight tickets. What are people who book at the last minute supposed to do? Celebrate Diwali in their paying guest accommodation?” an X user said.Another X user questioned whether the transport minister was “asleep or pretending to be”.“People work hard throughout the year in cities like Mumbai and Pune and hope to spend a few happy moments with their families during Diwali. How can ticket prices jump from Rs 700 to Rs 4,000?” the user posted, sharing screenshots of fares listed on booking apps.Meanwhile, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) launched a special inspection drive on November 1 to check private contract buses and prevent operators from charging excessive fares. The drive will continue until November 20, 2026.RTO officials said private bus operators are not permitted to charge more than 1.5 times the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) fare for the corresponding category of bus. They are also required to display fare charts inside their vehicles.Officials warned that action would be taken against operators found charging passengers more than the permitted rates.Inspection teams will also examine bus permits, check whether operators are carrying passengers beyond the authorised capacity and ensure that mandatory safety equipment is available.Passengers can report overcharging to the RTO through its helpline, 1800-22-0110. They must provide details of the bus and photographs of their tickets, officials said.Transport commissioner Rajesh Narvekar could not be reached for comment.
