Mumbai: The “Bus Pass Direct to School” campaign launched by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has received an overwhelming response, with over 5,21,354 students benefiting from the scheme within just 15 days — from June 16 to June 30 — as announced by State Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik.
The initiative, which began with the start of the new academic year on June 16, has made it significantly easier for school and college students to access subsidized transportation. Instead of standing in long queues at bus pass centres, students are now receiving their passes directly at their respective institutions through MSRTC staff, based on lists submitted by schools and colleges.
According to Minister Sarnaik, the government is offering a 66.66% subsidy on monthly MSRTC bus passes, and students are required to pay only 33.33% of the fare. So far, 1,61,204 students have received their subsidized passes through this school-based distribution method.
In addition to this, under the “Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana,” all girl students up to Class 12 are being given free MSRTC bus passes, and a total of 3,60,150 girls have already benefited from the scheme.
Sarnaik pointed out that the previous process of obtaining passes — which required students to visit MSRTC depots in groups and wait in long queues — caused unnecessary hardship. The new system not only removes this burden but also saves valuable time for both students and parents.
While lauding the success of the initiative, Sarnaik also issued a strict directive to MSRTC administration regarding the regular operation of school buses, especially on rural and tribal routes. He expressed concern over recent complaints about the sudden cancellation of school bus trips in remote areas, where often only a single bus trip (up and down) is available for students.
The minister emphasized that school bus routes should not be cancelled under any circumstances, even if the number of students on a particular route is low. He has instructed all depot managers to take full responsibility for ensuring that all scheduled school bus routes run regularly and without disruption.
Sarnaik warned that the cancellation of even a single school bus trip in such areas can severely affect children’s access to education. He stressed that uninterrupted transport service is crucial for students, especially in regions where no alternative options are available.
