Mrudula Narale
In a big relief for school students across the state, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has launched a path-breaking scheme of dispensing State Transport (ST) bus passes directly from schools, sans the need for students to make visits to ST depots. The initiative comes into force from June 16, 2025, with the purpose of simplifying the process and conserving precious time for students as the new academic year commences.
Earlier, students had to spend hours queuing and waiting in ST depots to get their bus passes, which often ended up disturbing their routines and wasting study time. The new system eliminates these hassles by relocating the process of issuing passes to school campuses. MSRTC staff will make it to schools to disperse passes, and this will make the process convenient for students. For this purpose, schools will need to give advance notice of a list of students eligible for passes to the MSRTC administration.
The program brings massive relief to students. Those who are eligible for ST bus passes get a 66.66 percent discount, paying just one-third of the usual fare for a monthly pass. Girl students up to Standard 12 will also get free ST bus passes under the Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar scheme, further reducing the cost burden on families. The scheme is likely to provide relief to lakhs of students across the state, making public transport more convenient and affordable.
The move has been widely embraced by parents, students, and the State Education Department. Through the issuance of passes at schools, the program is to enhance punctuality and raise attendance rates among students since the time and energy spent traveling to depots can now be channeled to learning. The efficient process allows students to travel to school on time, thereby enhancing the quality of education.
The MSRTC has actively contacted school principals and appealed to them to ready students’ lists in order to ensure hassle-free implementation. The campaign is an example of devotion to prioritizing students’ educational interests by keeping the level of disruption from administrative procedures at a minimum. The action is viewed as an exemplary move towards facilitating student welfare and ensuring public transport usage with minimal wastage.
Not only does this scheme save time, it also minimizes the logistics difficulties encountered by families, especially in rural and semi-urban localities where ST depot access can be restricted. By reaching the schools directly, the MSRTC is encouraging a more inclusive and student-oriented transport system. The State Education Department has welcomed the move, saying the effort can go a long way in improving school attendance and academic outcomes.
As the initiative is implemented, it is expected to become the standard for student-oriented transport policies, such that young students can concentrate on their studies without the added worry of acquiring bus passes. This innovative method reflects the state’s commitment to assisting its students and improving their daily travel.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newsdotz/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NewsDotz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573903448264
Twitter: https://x.com/NewsDotz
