Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 18: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has drawn sharp criticism from passengers and experts for charging different fares on electric buses with identical features, simply based on branding and exterior colours.

While the blue ‘E-Shivneri’ buses charge Rs 21.25 per 6 km, the white-green ‘E-Shivai’ buses cost passengers Rs 15.15 for the same distance—despite both being built on the same Olectra CX2 platform and offering the same comfort, such as push-back seats, charging points, and reading lamps.

The E-Shivneri fleet mostly services the high-traffic Mumbai-Pune route, while the E-Shivai buses operate on routes like Thane-Alibag and Nashik-Sambhajinagar. Some of the E-Shivai buses are even manufactured by Greencell, but sources confirm that the ride quality and features remain consistent across models.

“Changing the bus colour or branding doesn’t justify a higher fare. There must be a clear difference in services or quality to validate it,” said Rohit Dhende, a bus enthusiast.

Passengers have also raised similar concerns about MSRTC’s semi-luxury and ordinary buses. Despite significant upgrades in ordinary buses—such as 2x2 push-back seats and charging ports—semi-luxury buses continue to cost 25% more.

“There's barely any difference in services now. So why continue with outdated fare slabs?” questioned regular commuter Aditya Rane.

Transport expert A V Shenoy criticized the MSRTC for having a confusing fare structure with 13 different service categories. He recommended a simpler four-tier fare system based on AC/non-AC and premium/ordinary classes, with fare increments in multiples of Rs 5 for ease of ticketing.

The fare disparity comes on the heels of a 14.95% fare hike approved earlier this year. Transport officials, however, claim that fare hikes are based on service categories, not brand names.

Responding to the issue, Additional Transport Commissioner Bharat Kalaskar said, “We approve fares based on service type. Since this matter has been raised, I will check and revert.”

State Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik assured passengers that their concerns would be addressed. “If both classes of buses offer similar amenities, we will not allow passengers to be overcharged,” he said.