The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Navi Mumbai has come down hard against bus operators charging exorbitant fares during Ganeshotsav festival. To address this problem, the RTO has introduced a WhatsApp helpline number where commuters can lodge complaints against private bus operators charging fares higher than the prescribed fare.

During Ganeshotsav, many people from Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai travel to their hometowns in the Konkan region to participate in the festivities. Since state transport buses often run out of available seats due to high demand, passengers have no option but to rely on private buses. Unfortunately, in the past, private bus operators have taken advantage of the situation by increasing their fares significantly.

Navi Mumbai Sub Regional Transport Office has taken proactive steps to tackle this problem and ensure that commuters are not overcharged during the festive season. They are closely monitoring the bus fares and have set up a WhatsApp helpline number for complaints. Hemangini Patil, deputy regional transport officer in Vashi, stressed that the demand for additional bus services increases during the Gauri-Ganpati festival, often leaving commuters without tickets. As a result, private bus operators charge high fares from passengers seeking a comfortable journey.

The RTO is urging all commuters to report any incidents of overcharging by private bus operators, and also encourage them to lodge complaints if they are asked to pay more than the fares fixed by the transport department. Used to be. The transport department will promptly resolve complaints received through the WhatsApp helpline number to ensure smooth travel for all passengers during the festival.