Pune: Private bus operators have promised to keep festive fare hikes in check after MSRTC scrapped its customary 15% Diwali fare increase this year in the backdrop of drought conditions.“Even though MSRTC has been running at a loss, it would not put an additional burden on people. The proposed fare hike between Nov 1 and 15 has been rejected. Buses would operate at the existing fares during Diwali and the corporation would have to find other ways to control its operational losses. People were already distressed and should not be subjected to further hardship,” Pratap Sarnaik, state transport minister and MSRTC chairperson, said on Thursday.Abhijit Bhosle, public relations officer of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), told TOI that private operators could raise fares in accordance with state govt’s prescribed formula. “Private buses were allowed to charge up to 50% more than the fare of an MSRTC bus of the same make and operating to the same destination during the festive period. They were free to follow this provision,” he said.However, several private operators and industry associations said they would exercise restraint this Diwali.Balasaheb Khedekar, president of Pune District Luxury Bus Owners Association, said private operators would limit the increase to 25-30%. “Drought has created serious difficulties for many people, and we were aware of that. However, many of our buses travel outside Maharashtra and return empty or with very few passengers. Since fuel prices were high and unlike MSRTC, we receive no govt support, we would raise fares. However, we keep the hike under control compared with previous years,” Khedekar said.Ravindra More, a senior official at Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions, which operates pan-India bus services, said operators would support govt’s move but called for stricter action against those exploiting festival demand. “The authorities must act against transporters who suddenly emerge during festivals and fleece passengers. The transport department and RTOs must identify and stop such operators.”“We would keep our fare hikes modest, but a few unscrupulous and new operators tarnish the image of the entire industry. Govt needed to crack down on them,” More said.Passengers, however, remained sceptical. Many said assurances of reasonable fares often failed to translate into reality during the festive rush. “Private operators make tall claims, but fares shoot up at the last minute. Last Diwali, I paid Rs 5,500 for a Pune-Bengaluru ticket against the regular fare of Rs 2,300,” said Prakash Raju, a Bavdhan-based working professional.He alleged that some buses picked up passengers at multiple points along the route until they were overcrowded, charging exorbitant fares from those boarding midway.The restrained fare hikes could offer some relief during Diwali, but passengers said effective monitoring by the transport department and RTOs would be crucial to prevent last-minute hikes and overcharging.
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