Overview

• MSRTC charges ₹21.25 per 6 km for blue 'E-Shivneri' buses and ₹15.15 for white-green 'E-Shivai' buses, despite both being built on the same Olectra CX2 platform with identical amenities.
• Passengers and transport experts have called the fare disparity illogical, pointing out that the buses differ only in branding and color, not in features or service quality.
• The broader issue of fare complexity has also been highlighted, with MSRTC's 13 fare categories criticized as overly complicated and lacking transparency.
• Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has pledged to investigate the fare differences and ensure passengers are not unfairly charged, though no adjustments have been confirmed yet.
• The controversy follows a 14.95% fare hike approved in January 2025, which has already drawn scrutiny from commuters and experts over its rationale.