Passengers in Pune are facing severe harassment from private bus operators and unauthorised agents who are openly overcharging fares and misguiding commuters at multiple stands and stoppages.
The menace is widespread across major bus boarding points such as Swargate, Sangamwadi, Wakdewadi and Wakad, with commuters complaining of high-handedness and rude behaviour. Despite fixed ticket prices, these operators routinely charge extra, especially during weekends and holidays.
'On weekends, the fare increases'
Passenger Balgangadhar Sahu, who came with her sister from Ahmedabad to Pune on Sunday, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, "After finishing my work, I decided to return to Ahmedabad. Around 10am, I reached the Wakdewadi bus stand. There were a number of unauthorised agents who were offering tickets at increased prices. In one bus, I was told the ticket would cost ₹800 per passenger. However, online it was in the range of ₹500–650. When I asked about the extra charges, he said that on weekends, the fare increases. Moreover, he threatened to leave me behind.”
Another commuter, Renu Rathore, told FPJ, “There is no regulation. They talk to us rudely, force us to board quickly, and when we ask questions, they threaten to cancel the ticket.”
'Passengers are being misled by agents'
Sandesh Borate, a frequent commuter, highlighted, “Passengers are also being misled by agents who pretend to be official representatives and lure them with false promises of luxury service or last-minute seats. At Swargate, while going to Hyderabad, one agent told me only one seat was left and pushed me to pay ₹1,200. Later, I saw at least 10 empty seats on the same bus.”
Despite repeated complaints, authorities seem to be turning a blind eye to the issue. The problem will worsen if immediate action is not taken.
Devraj Shetty, a local resident at Padmavati, highlighted that buses are often parked haphazardly on busy roads like Padmavati, Laxminarayan Chowk, Nagar Road and Shivajinagar, causing major traffic congestion.
'Strict action will be taken'
Swapnil Bhosale, ARTO, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, “Our team is consistently patrolling such areas and conducting random checks. Those who are found overcharging could face cancellation of permits and licenses. Moreover, strict action will be taken against unauthorised persons standing at the ST stand.”
On the basis of anonymity, a senior official from MSRTC told FPJ, “Many unauthorised agents have been frequently spotted at the ST stands. We have requested Pune Police to increase patrolling in the area. Strict action will be taken against these illegal agents.”
