Pointers-
-
MSRTC starts 15% discount on bookings (150+ km routes).
-
Applies to full-fare passengers; not valid for senior citizens, students, etc.
-
e-Shivneri Pune–Mumbai commuters to benefit most.
-
Valid year-round, except Diwali & summer.
-
Book via the MSRTC site, app, or counters.
In a move to make bus travel more affordable, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has started offering a 15% discount on ticket fares for passengers who book in advance for routes over 150 kilometres. This new fare benefit came into effect on July 1, 2025, and is expected to especially help commuters on high-demand routes like Pune-Mumbai (e-Shivneri buses).
The announcement was made by Maharashtra State Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, who stated that the discount will apply only to full-fare passengers and will not cover concessional categories such as senior citizens, students, or freedom fighters. The initiative will be implemented across all categories of MSRTC buses, including premium services.
“Passengers commuting on premium routes like Pune to Mumbai by e-Shivneri buses will greatly benefit from this initiative,” Sarnaik said.
“We want to encourage people to plan their travel in advance, which not only helps them save money but also allows the corporation to manage operations more efficiently. This 15% discount is our way of making public transport more attractive, especially for daily and frequent travellers who rely on MSRTC’s dependable services.”
Applicable All Year Round – With Some Exceptions
The discount will be available throughout the year, except during peak travel seasons such as Diwali and summer vacation, when passenger demand is traditionally high.
The scheme will, however, remain valid during upcoming festivals like Ashadhi Ekadashi and the Ganpati festival, when a large number of devotees and travellers head to destinations like Pandharpur and the Konkan region.
“Similarly, passengers travelling to Konkan during the Ganpati festival – a time when many working professionals return to their hometowns – can also avail this discount by reserving their tickets in advance,” Sarnaik added.
“We urge passengers to take advantage of this scheme and save on travel costs, especially during non-peak travel periods.”
Relief for Regular Travellers
Suresh Shinde, a working professional who frequently commutes between Pune and Mumbai, welcomed the move:
“This is a much-needed relief for regular travellers like me. The e-Shivneri buses are reliable and comfortable, but the fares can add up quickly when you are commuting multiple times a week. A 15% discount on advance bookings will definitely help ease the financial burden.
It also encourages more people to plan ahead, which can reduce last-minute rush and improve the overall travel experience. I have already started booking my trips in advance to take full advantage of the offer.”
How to Avail the Discount
Passengers can avail of the 15% advance booking discount through the following platforms:
-
Authorized ticket booking counters
-
‘MSRTC Bus Reservation’ mobile application
The discount scheme was initially announced on June 1, during the 77th Foundation Day celebrations of MSRTC. At the event, Minister Sarnaik proposed fare concessions for passengers travelling longer distances during off-season periods.
With this new initiative now in effect, MSRTC aims to promote:
-
Affordable, pre-planned travel
-
Better operational planning
-
More ridership on high-demand corridors like Pune–Mumbai
