The Maharashtra Transport Department recently carried out a five-day crackdown on illegal app-based bus services operating in Mumbai. This action resulted in the collection of ₹12 lakh in fines from operators, including Uber Shuttle, Cityflo, and Chalo.
This enforcement campaign took place between 12 July and 16 July, during which over 125 buses were seized for operating without required permits.
The crackdown was led by various Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) after receiving orders from Transport Minister Mr. Pratap Sarnaik.
How the enforcement was carried out
The transport department found that many app-based bus services were running without proper permits.
Mr. Sarnik then instructed officials to take strong action against such operators, not just by issuing warnings but by penalizing them on the spot.
The department was asked to seize and charge a fine on any vehicle found operating without proper licenses.
What actions were taken
The actions taken are as follows:
The five-day drive started on July 12, 2025.
The RTO collected ₹12 lakh in fines from illegal buses.
Over 125 buses were seized during the campaign.
Uber Shuttle was forced to stop its operations in Mumbai.
Who was the most affected?
One of the major affected services was Uber Shuttle, which had been running hundreds of buses in Mumbai, reportedly running without any official approvals for the last 18 months.
These buses connect major residential areas like Palghar, Thane, and Kalyan to business hubs such as Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Lower Parel. Following the crackdown, Uber Shuttle had to stop its operations.
This action has affected many daily commuters as well, who preferred these services for their comfort, punctuality, and reserved seating. With Uber Shuttle services on hold, many commuters are now switching to Cityflo, BEST buses, or other transport options.
What next?
Transport officials said the initiative is part of an effort to bring all app-based transport services under proper legal control. The government now plans to introduce a new aggregator policy for buses, similar to the one used for cab services. This will include rules about permits, safety, fare structure, and driver verification.
In Summary
The RTO’s five-day campaign shows that no transport service can operate without proper rules. While passengers like these buses for their ease and comfort, the government wants them to follow the law, ensuring that every service runs legally and safely. Until clear rules are made, more such crackdowns could happen.
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