Pune: In a significant boost to its fleet ahead of the Diwali festival, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced the addition of 215 new buses to the Pune division.
This expansion comes in response to a sharp increase in passenger numbers, driven by the popularity of the Women’s Honor Scheme and the Amrut Senior Citizens Scheme.
Currently, the Pune division operates 815 buses, but with the introduction of these new buses, the total number of buses will rise to 1,025. The new buses will be deployed on key routes including those connecting Pune and Mumbai, as well as other regional routes. This move aims to enhance travel comfort for senior citizens and women, who are significant users of the MSRTC service.
The existing fleet has faced challenges due to an increasing number of older buses, many of which have been in service for over a decade and are prone to breakdowns.
This has impacted the quality of passenger service. The introduction of 215 new buses is expected to alleviate these issues and improve overall service quality.
The Pune division has seen a rise in passenger numbers from 50,000 to 60,000 to nearly 1 lakh daily travelers. This increase has also boosted revenue, with the MSRTC generating approximately 1.3 to 1.4 crores.
With the festive season approaching, passenger numbers are anticipated to grow further, potentially affecting bus schedules. The MSRTC discount schemes for women and senior citizens have contributed to a significant increase in female passengers, with women now constituting more than half of the daily travelers.
MSRTC Pune Division Fleet:
Total Buses Currently Available: 815
Buses Out of Service: 72
Buses Operating on Routes: 743
Private Buses: 67
New Buses to be Added: 215
Total Buses After Addition: 1,025