Maharashtra Students Get Subsidized Bus Passes at School Under New MSRTC Initiative
Pune, June 17, 2025 – In a major relief for students across Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has rolled out a new initiative to provide subsidized travel passes directly to schools and colleges, eliminating the need for students to visit bus depots or pass centers.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
1. Hassle-Free Pass Distribution
Under the “ST Pass Directly to Your School” scheme, MSRTC staff will now visit educational institutions to distribute monthly bus passes based on student lists provided by schools. This move is expected to save time and reduce absenteeism among students who previously had to stand in long queues.
2. Subsidized & Free Travel for Students
- 66.66% discount on bus fares for students traveling between home and school/college.
- Free passes for all students from Class 1 to 12 under the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar’ scheme.
- Students only need to pay 33.33% of the total fare for monthly passes.
3. Statewide Implementation
The program was officially launched on June 16, coinciding with the start of the academic year. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik emphasized that this initiative will prevent students from missing classes just to obtain bus passes.
"शाळा तेथे पास"
— Pratap Baburao Sarnaik (@PratapSarnaik) June 16, 2025
विद्यार्थ्यांच्या शिक्षणासाठी एक पाऊल पुढे…@msrtcofficial #MSRTC #ST_bus_pass #student_bus_pass #studentwelfare #studentconvenience pic.twitter.com/P3NDQvPbBK
4. Smooth Coordination with Schools
Arun Siya, State Divisional Controller, confirmed that all ST depot managers have been instructed to coordinate with local schools and colleges. Letters have been sent to principals and headmasters to facilitate the distribution process.
5. Positive Student Feedback
Aditya Patil, a student, shared his relief, stating, “Earlier, I spent ₹1,500 monthly on bus passes and had to visit the depot every month. Now, getting the pass at school saves time and money.”
What’s Next?
The MSRTC aims to expand this initiative to ensure all eligible students benefit from the scheme. With lakhs of students expected to avail of this facility, the move marks a significant step toward accessible education.
