The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Thursday said that it has introduced monthly and quarterly pass schemes for passengers using its e-bus services, officials said.
Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman, Pratap Sarnaik, made the announcement, stating that the new initiative is designed to benefit regular travellers who commute daily on fixed routes for work or business. The scheme also aims to increase the uptake of clean and eco-friendly public transport options, an official statement said.
Currently, MSRTC operates 448 electric buses under its e-bus project and 50 electric buses under the Shivai initiative.
The government intends to expand the fleet further in the future, the statement said.
“There has been growing demand from commuters to introduce a pass system for e-bus travel. Taking this into account, MSRTC has rolled out this scheme to make commuting more affordable and comfortable,” Pratap Sarnaik said.
ई-बस प्रवाशांसाठी एसटी कडून मासिक व त्रैमासिक पास योजना सुरू… pic.twitter.com/u1KvMYdCph
— Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (@msrtcofficial) October 9, 2025
E-bus pass scheme:
– The passes will be available for 9-metre e-buses, 12-metre e-buses, and e-Shivai services. (Note: The e-Shivneri luxury bus service is excluded from the scheme).
– Monthly pass will be valid for 30 days and priced equivalent to 20 round-trip fares on the selected route.
– Quarterly pass will be valid for 90 days, priced equivalent to 60 round-trip fares.
– The pass holders of higher service category buses (e-bus) can also travel in lower categories such as semi-luxury or ordinary buses.
– If a passenger with a lower-category pass wishes to travel by e-bus, they must pay the full difference in fare between the two services.
Sarnaik expressed confidence that the decision will provide substantial relief to daily commuters and encourage wider adoption of clean, environment-friendly, and comfortable travel through e-buses, an official statement said.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Sarnaik had on Monday said that the state govt was positive about addressing the demands raised by the MSRTC workers.
Speaking at a meeting with ST workers’ unions at Mantralaya, Sarnaik said the demands of the staff are “justified” and assured that a decision will be taken over them after discussions with Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
The meeting was attended by MSRTC Managing Director Dr Madhav Kusekar, Joint Secretary Rajendra Holkar, and representatives from various unions, including Sandeep Shinde, Sameer More, Shrirang Barge, Hanumant Tate, Prakash Nimbalkar, Mukesh Tigote, and Pradeep Dhurandhar.
Sarnaik had said that the government is likely to take a positive decision on pending issues such as dearness allowance, house rent allowance, and other arrears, as well as the Diwali festival advance. He noted that these dues, pending since 2018, amount to around Rs 4,400 crore.
