Pune: Private Bus Fares Surge During Diwali; RTO Launches Helpline for Complaints
Pune, 13th October 2025: With the festive season in full swing, passengers traveling from Pune-Mumbai to Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Konkan are facing steep private bus fares, with charges reportedly increased by up to 1.5 times. The spike comes at a time when railway tickets are fully booked, leaving travelers with little choice but to rely on private buses.
Citizens have expressed frustration over the fare hike, questioning whether such arrangements are passenger-friendly or meant for special interests. “This increase has been imposed only during Diwali without any clear reason,” said a commuter. “It feels like a deliberate attempt to take advantage of passengers’ compulsion.”
In response, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has launched a helpline for filing complaints against arbitrarily high ticket prices. Passengers can report cases by calling 8275330101 or emailing [email protected]. While filing a complaint, citizens are required to provide their name, mobile number, and a photo of the ticket.
The RTO has assured that strict action will be taken against bus drivers charging excessive fares. Authorities emphasized that passengers should not hesitate to report unfair pricing, ensuring that festive travel remains fair and transparent.
