MSRTC bus fares increased by 14.95%; auto and taxi rates also set to rise

An official said, “This hike will help us maintain services and take steps to improve them. There are plans to buy new buses, set up charging stations for electric buses, and convert some buses to CNG in the coming months.”

An 18 per cent hike was originally proposed, but it was reduced to 14.95 per cent and approved after being delayed during the elections. The new fares will apply to all routes served by MSRTC buses, affecting both local commuters and long-distance travellers.

In addition to bus fares, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) has approved fare increases for auto-rickshaws, taxis, and AC cool cabs. From February 1, minimum auto-rickshaw fares will go up from Rs 23 to Rs 26, while taxi fares will rise from Rs 28 to Rs 31. AC cool cabs will see their base fare increase from Rs 40 to Rs 48 for the first 1.5 km.

Passengers have mixed reactions to these hikes. Many auto-rickshaws and taxi users feel the fare increases were unfair, especially since issues like drivers refusing short-distance rides and creating traffic jams near metro and railway stations remain unresolved.

While these fare hikes aim to meet rising operational costs, commuters hope that service quality will improve along with the higher charges. An official confirmed that the decision followed several petitions from public transport unions requesting fare hikes.