2 hrs ago
MSRTC NCMC Card Rule Begins Amid Overcharging and Fare Confusion
MSRTC has started requiring special NCMC cards for some fare discounts.
The rule applies to senior citizens, Amrut senior citizens and women using concessions.
Passengers without the card may have to pay the full bus fare.
However, the online booking system still shows that some concessions are available.
This has confused passengers because different booking methods appear to follow different rules.
Many people have registered for cards, but some are still waiting to receive them.
Passengers also say cards costing ₹199 are sometimes being sold for more.
MSRTC says it knows about the problems and is taking corrective action.
The main concern is making the concession system work the same way everywhere.
MSRTC made NCMC cards mandatory from October 1 for eligible passengers seeking fare concessions.
Passengers without cards are reportedly charged full fares, while online bookings still show concessions.
Around 1.25 crore citizens have registered, but many eligible passengers are still awaiting cards.
MSRTC appointed 6,012 agents, while passengers alleged ₹199 cards were sold for ₹250 to ₹300.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik acknowledged card-related complaints and said corrective measures were being taken.
- Who
- The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, eligible concession passengers, card agents and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
- What
- MSRTC began enforcing an NCMC-card requirement for fare concessions amid complaints about overcharging, card shortages and inconsistent rules.
- Where
- Across Maharashtra, including MSRTC bus services and online booking channels; one cited case involved travel from Borivali to Pune.
- When
- The requirement came into effect on October 1; the article does not specify the year.
- Why
- MSRTC requires the card to provide fare concessions, while passengers are seeking consistent access to benefits during the rollout.
Passenger Concerns
MSRTC Position
Access to concessions
Passenger Concerns
Passengers say those who have not received their NCMC cards are being forced to pay full fares despite being eligible for concessions.
MSRTC Position
MSRTC says producing an NCMC card is required to claim the concession and has stated that the QR-coded registration receipt remains valid for 30 days.
Card pricing and distribution
Passenger Concerns
Passengers allege that cards priced at ₹199 are being sold for ₹250 to ₹300 in some locations and have questioned agent oversight.
MSRTC Position
MSRTC has appointed 6,012 agents and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said corrective measures were being taken after complaints about card access and overcharging.
Booking-rule consistency
Passenger Concerns
Passengers and a Maharashtra ST Employees Congress representative say differing rules at buses, counters and online bookings create confusion and may penalize eligible beneficiaries.
MSRTC Position
The online system continues to display senior-citizen concessions when age and passenger details are entered, while bus staff are enforcing the card requirement.
Key facts
- Implementing agency
- Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC)
- Rule start
- October 1
- Eligible groups mentioned
- Senior citizens, Amrut senior citizens and women travelling on concession
- Registered applicants
- Around 1.25 crore citizens
- Distribution network
- 6,012 appointed agents across Maharashtra
- Listed card price
- ₹199
- Alleged resale price
- ₹250 to ₹300 at some locations
- QR receipt validity
- 30 days after registration
Quotes
Shrirang Barge
General secretary of the Maharashtra ST Employees Congress
“The NCMC scheme is good, but its implementation has several shortcomings. Citizens are facing difficulties, raising questions about the planning behind the rollout.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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