MSRTC Timetable on net

Maharashtra Road Transport Corporations (MSRTC) timetable link is working now. They published its availability few months back, but some glitches and unprofessional approach from MSRTC honchos has delayed it so far. It is some what usable at the moment.

MSRTC buses or popularly known as ST (State Transport) buses and are only medium for large population for hinter areas in Maharashtra. Poor state of affairs of this state run business has always ensured poor quality of service. But with the pressure from private agencies although illegal ST services have started improving. They have started better buses and introduced new ventures like Mahabus on Mumbai-Pune route. Volvo buses are already running on this route. One wonders why the quality of service is only required on Mumbai-Pune stretch? Hope MSRTC extends this kind of service on other routes like Mumbai-Goa also.

Mahabus by MSRTC

Those who are familiar with red-yellow buses plying in nook and corners of Maharashtra will be surprised to see this new bus. So far the luxury for state owned carrier was age old white-blue Asiad buses named as they were official carriers for the Asiad event in 1982. In between they started Volvo services on Mumbai-Pune and Mumbai-Hyderabad routes but they were limited and unknown to rest of Maharashtra.

Now as part of restructuring propelled by thinning crowd in MSRTC buses, a new initiative branded Mahabus is taken, and Chinese made KingLong buses are acquired to enhance comfort and luxury in affordable prices with Mahabus.

The Kinglong buses pictured at left will venture on Mumbai-Goa route from this decemeber, they are already plying on Mumbai-Pune route.

More details and time table for mumbai-pune service is available on MSRTC's newly launched website here at http://msrtc.maharashtra.gov.in/mahabus.html

Smart Card Bus Pass for BEST buses introduced

BEST undertaking of Mumbai has started smart card based bus pass. Pass is available for seven days, fortnightly, monthly and quarterly period. Tariffs will be based on number of kilometers one travels. There are concessions for senior citizens and school children.

This pass will be issued at authorized centers from 7.00 am to 8.00 pm in advance or on the day of travel. Pass will be issued to commuter on demand between any two valid destinations of his choice limited to maximum distance of 15 km. Any number of travel patterns are allowed within that distance limitations.

One time administration fee of Rs. 10 will be charged at the time of issuing the pass. Identity card is required for issuing the pass and can be purchased at Rs. 2 at any authorized center.

More at http://www.bestundertaking.com/TravelAsYouLike-Ticket.pdf