Customer helpline number launched: Pune RTO deploys squads to keep check on overpriced bus tickets

Shantanu Shedge, who frequently travels from Pune to Parali, Nanded, said that State Transport (ST) buses to Nanded usually charge around Rs 535 to 550 for non-AC and slightly higher, by a hundred or two hundred rupees, for AC buses. However, when he tried to book a ticket recently through a private agency, he was asked to pay Rs 1,160 for a non-AC bus and Rs 1,700 for an AC bus ticket, citing the festival as reason for the higher rates. The booking app showed fares starting from Rs 1,200 going up to Rs 2,000.

Another passenger, Vishal Meshram from Gadchiroli, noted that there was no direct bus to Gadchiroli and the state-run ST buses ply only from Pune to Nagpur, creating a wait of four to five hours to change buses. “The only option is private buses, which usually cost around Rs 1,500 on regular days, but during Diwali and Ganesh festivals, the fare varies from Rs 3,000 to 4,000, even for the Pune to Chandrapur route,” he said. After checking on an app, a bus operator charged nearly Rs 3,200.

To address the issue, the Pune RTO constituted squads in the city and deployed them along major routes to resolve the problem. Deputy RTO Swapnil Bhosle stated that in response to passengers’ concerns about overcharging, the RTO has formed ten squads, each comprising two inspectors. “These officials will closely monitor routes such as Sangamwadi Bridge, Pune-Nagar Road, Pune-Satara Road, and others. They will check passenger tickets, and at the same time, the team will keep a vigil on bus booking applications,” he said.

For the convenience of passengers, a WhatsApp number, 8275330101, has been launched, where commuters can send pictures of their tickets as proof for immediate action against the operators.