PUNE: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has slashed the rates of its Shivshahi sleeper buses by 25 per cent. The fare reduction is in the range of Rs 230 to Rs 500 for different routes. 

The fare of Pune-Nagpur bus has dropped from Rs 1,990 to Rs1,485 while Pune-Amravati fare will be Rs 1,190, a reduction of Rs 404 in case of latter.

“The MSRTC has cut fares for its sleeper buses keeping in mind the demand by the passengers and the competition in the market. This will make the buses easily accessible for commuters who currently prefer the private mode of transport,” said a senior officer of MSRTC’s Pune division. 

The officer said demands to this effect were presented by some MSRTC officers from the State. “The suggestions and demands were made to the central office since December by the officers and the union leaders after which the decision was taken,” he said.

He said the fall in fuel prices must be noted. “At the time of the launch of the services, rates of fuel then were taken into consideration. Now that the prices have eased off, the MSRTC is passing on benefits to the commuters. This will help increase occupancy of the buses and bring more revenue to the cash-strapped corporation,” said the official.

The commuters have welcomed the decision, saying this had been awaited for a long time.“The fares of the sleeper buses were too high. The decision was taken after passengers were moving towards private operators. Shivshahi seating has evolved, but the sleeper coach service was the latest. The new fares will definitely draw people towards it,” said Md Usman Shaikh, who commutes regularly to Nagpur.

“Ever since the launch of its air-conditioned vehicles, the MSRTC has been known to take wrong decisions. The same had happened with the launch of the Shivneri buses,” said Sachin Kaikade, a  resident of Pune.

1,000 MORE BUSES FOR ST
The State Transport Department has decided to add 1,000 buses to its fleet, taking MSRTC’s total to 2,000. Of these, 600 buses will be owned by the MSRTC and 400 will run on contractual basis.