Maharashtra Cracks Down on Private Bus Fare Hikes: Minister Issues Stern Warning Against Illegal Apps

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has ordered immediate action against private bus operators charging exorbitant fares and directed that ST bus stand toilets be made free for all passengers starting June 1.

May 14, 2026 | Mumbai: In a decisive move to protect commuters from financial exploitation, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has issued a stern warning to private bus operators and unauthorized booking applications. During a high-level meeting held at the Ministry on Wednesday, the Minister addressed growing grievances regarding arbitrary fare hikes, particularly during festival seasons and holiday periods. To ensure long-term resolution, a special committee has been established to monitor fare structures and suggest permanent regulatory measures.

A significant highlight of the directive is the total waiver of fees for using toilets at State Transport (ST) bus stands across the state, effective from June 1. This initiative aims to improve passenger hygiene and comfort. Furthermore, the Minister has called for a crackdown on illegal travel apps that bypass official regulations to book passengers at inflated rates. “The looting of passengers will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Sarnaik stated, emphasizing that strict punitive action will be taken against violators.

To enhance transparency and support, the Transport Department has been instructed to display emergency contact numbers at every bus station for immediate grievance redressal. The Minister also touched upon cultural accuracy, directing the department to ensure that the newly renamed villages and towns are reflected correctly using precise Marathi terminology in all official communications and bus displays.

The newly formed committee is tasked with submitting a comprehensive report on controlling private bus fares and curbing illegal digital bookings. Sarnaik assured that the committee’s recommendations would be implemented without delay to create a fair and organized transport ecosystem. This crackdown is expected to bring much-needed relief to thousands of daily commuters who rely on private transport for intercity travel across Maharashtra.

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