MSRTC Soon To Start App For Booking Auto, Bus Rides: Report

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is reportedly set to launch an aggregator-based passenger app which will offer transport services on a single platform.

As per PTI, the app, being developed under the central and state government’s aggregator policy, will allow a user to book rides for buses, autorickshaws, taxis, and e-buses.

The state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik made this announcement during a high-level meeting earlier this week.

The report further said that the app would be named ‘Chhava Ride’.

Sarnaik said that the MSRTC was best suited to operate the app, which is expected to generate a new revenue stream for the transport body while providing commuters a trusted and transparent service, as per the report.

This comes almost a week after the minister criticised existing private aggregators for exploiting drivers and passengers alike.

In mid-July, the Maharashtra state government initiated a crackdown on Uber Shuttle and other bus aggregators for operating without the necessary licences.

Also, the central government mandated ride-hailing aggregators to adhere to the targets fixed for inclusion of electric vehicles in their fleet, earlier in July, while it released the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025.

In May, Maharashtra government-approved Aggregator Cabs Policy 2025 mandated that drivers cancelling rides will now have to pay a fine, which in turn should be immediately credited to the rider’s account.

Additionally, Mumbai-based autoricksaw unions Seva Sarathi Autorickshaw Taxi & Transport Union (SSATTU) and software development company Metazen Labs together launched a new auto booking app, Yatri Mitra, for Mumbai and Thane commuters, in June.

Meanwhile, competing with giants like Ola, Uber and Rapido, the Centre announced the launch of a new state-backed ride-hailling service called ‘Sahkar Taxi’, earlier this March.