The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) Workers’ Union has voiced strong opposition to the state government’s recent proposal to regularise maxi cabs as part of its 100-day action plan to improve sustainability and efficiency in the transport sector.
As part of its initiative to regulate the transport sector, the government aims to bring unauthorised maxi cabs small shared vehicles with 8 to 12 seats under formal regulations. These vehicles have been ln operating illegally across the state and have raised concerns due to their impact on MSRTC’s revenue and potential safety risks for passengers.
The workers’ union has expressed alarm over the proposal, claiming that allowing maxi cabs to operate legally would pose a significant threat to public safety and undermine the quality of services provided by MSRTC. “If maxi cabs are allowed on the roads, road safety in the state will be at risk, and MSRTC, which is considered one of the safest transport services, will be negatively affected,” said a union leader.
However, MSRTC officials have countered the union’s objections. A senior official stated that the corporation’s clientele has stabilized, especially due to concessions for senior citizens and women commuters.
However workers union not agree with this logic. They argue that public transport remains the only reliable way to provide a safe, efficient, and sustainable service to citizens. The union fears that the government’s decision to officially approve maxi cabs will detract from these core goals.
MSRTC’s performance has shown improvements recently, with the corporation now catering to 5.8 million daily passengers and generating monthly revenues of Rs 900 crore. “In terms of safety, MSRTC reports only one accident for every 500,000 kilometers traveled, most of which are minor incidents. In contrast, accidents involving private vehicles, including maxi cabs, are far more frequent and severe” said an union leader.
Despite the union’s resistance, the state government is moving forward with its plans to regularise maxi cabs as part of the broader transport sector reforms. The workers’ union has reiterated its stance, stressing that MSRTC buses are a safer, more sustainable option, especially for rural areas. The union has called for the government to focus on strengthening the MSRTC by investing in additional buses rather than introducing maxi cabs into the system.
This is not the first time the proposal has faced opposition. Previous attempts to introduce maxi cabs during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government were also met with strong resistance from MSRTC employee unions.
