Maharashtra Buses Witness Surge in UPI Payments, Transforming Public Transport
Maharashtra’s state-run bus network is witnessing a decisive shift in how passengers pay for daily travel, with digital transactions rapidly overtaking cash across routes and regions. Data from the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) indicates a sharp and sustained rise in UPI-based ticket purchases in the final quarter of 2025, underlining a broader transformation in public transport operations and commuter behaviour.
The transition holds significance beyond convenience. For one of India’s largest road transport undertakings, serving millions of passengers each day across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, the growing adoption of cashless payments signals improved operational efficiency, stronger revenue transparency, and alignment with low-friction, people-first mobility systems. Between September and December 2025, UPI ticketing volumes climbed steadily across the MSRTC network. In September, close to five million tickets were purchased digitally, generating revenues exceeding ₹60 crore. By December, monthly UPI ticket sales crossed 6.2 million, with collections approaching ₹84 crore, marking the highest level recorded so far. Transport officials attribute this consistent growth to the increasing reliability of digital payment infrastructure and rising passenger confidence in cashless travel.
Crucially, UPI payments are no longer confined to major bus terminals or premium services. The facility is now embedded across ticket counters, suburban depots, and onboard conductor devices, enabling passengers to complete transactions mid-journey without cash. This integration has shortened boarding times, reduced queuing at stations, and eased the pressure on conductors to manage exact change, according to officials overseeing operations. Urban mobility experts view the trend as an important enabler of sustainable transport systems. Reduced cash handling lowers administrative overheads, cuts paper usage, and improves auditability—factors that collectively strengthen the financial health of public transport agencies. For passengers, especially women, elderly commuters, and daily wage workers, digital ticketing offers greater safety and predictability during travel.
The rise in UPI ticketing has also helped address long-standing challenges around revenue leakage. With transactions recorded instantly, reconciliation is faster, and disputes over fares have declined. Industry analysts say this improves trust in public systems and frees up resources that can be redirected towards fleet upgrades, service frequency, and cleaner vehicle technologies. As Maharashtra expands electric bus deployment and upgrades depots under climate-aligned transport programmes, digital payments are expected to become central to integrated mobility platforms. MSRTC officials indicate that additional features, including linked passes and real-time payment analytics, are under evaluation to further enhance passenger experience.
With digital ticketing now firmly embedded in everyday bus travel, the focus is shifting from adoption to optimisation. Ensuring network stability, inclusive access for passengers without smartphones, and seamless interoperability with future mobility services will determine how effectively cashless travel supports equitable and resilient transport across Maharashtra.
