Pune RTO launches checks on private buses over Diwali fares, drive to run till November 20

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Pune has begun a special inspection drive to curb arbitrary fare collection by private contract buses during the Diwali season. Special squads have been deployed at boarding and alighting points to keep watch on bus operators and check whether the fare limit is being followed.

The drive will run till November 20, 2026. It follows complaints from passengers that private bus operators were charging arbitrary fares as crowds travelling to and from their villages and cities grew. According to the RTO, the drive began on the directions of the Transport Commissioner.

Inspection teams are checking buses at several key locations, including Swargate, Wagheshwar parking, Hadapsar, Balewadi, Mumbai Highway, Yerawada, Chandan Nagar, Satara Road, Sangamwadi parking and Wakdewadi. Officers have also been asked to inspect booking offices and to examine both online and offline tickets, so that those charging above the permitted limit can be identified.

Under transport rules, private contract-carriage buses cannot charge more than 1.5 times the fare of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) for the same category of service. Even so, complaints of excess fares rise when passenger demand increases during festivals.

Deputy Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosale held a meeting with 26 representatives of private bus associations. Arbitrary fare increases and compliance with the rules were discussed. Operators were told that their vehicles must carry a valid permit, driver badge, fitness certificate, PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate and insurance papers.

The RTO also stressed driving within the prescribed speed limit, avoiding overloading and drivers not driving under the influence of alcohol. Buses were asked to carry fire extinguishers and first-aid boxes. Operators were reminded that the fare must not exceed 1.5 times the MSRTC fare for the same category. The meeting also warned that action will be taken against booking applications that charge passengers extra.

In an order issued on October 30, Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad told private bus owners to display a fare chart prominently at departure points, stating the maximum fare per seat for each route. According to the order, a WhatsApp number for passenger complaints, 8275330101, must also be displayed.

Road safety teams have been deployed for the checks, and vehicles violating the rules are being acted against under the Motor Vehicles Act. The RTO says some vehicles have already been fined in the ongoing drive.

Passengers who are charged excess fares or face trouble during the journey can complain by sending their name, mobile number and a photograph of the ticket to 8275330101. The RTO has appealed to private bus owners and drivers to follow the rules, so that they avoid fines, fares stay reasonable in the festival rush and travel remains safe.