The State Transport Corporation (ST) recently introduced the Vashi-Swargate (Pune) Shivneri service to accommodate the increasing number of passengers traveling from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to Pune during the summer vacation period. However, the service has been discontinued just two days after its launch due to a lack of response from passengers. ST Corporation had planned to operate air-conditioned diesel-fueled Shivneri buses daily on the Vashi-Swargate route. The schedule included four departures from Vashi at 6:15 am, 7:15 am, 2:15 pm, and 3:15 pm, and four departures from Swargate to Vashi at 10:15 am, 11:45 am, 6:45 pm, and 7:45 pm. Unfortunately, the service did not receive adequate passenger demand, primarily because there were no buses available at the desired times.
Due to regulations aimed at curbing pollution, vehicles with a lifespan of eight years cannot be operated within Mumbai. Consequently, the ST’s Shivneri buses began running from Vashi. However, unscheduled departures by the ST, coupled with a lack of advertising regarding the new Shivneri service, resulted in passengers being unaware of the offering. Moreover, while the bus from Vashi to Swargate was often full, the bus from Swargate had fewer passengers. Passengers preferred Shivneri buses to Dadar or Thane instead. As a result, the Vashi-Swargate Shivneri service was discontinued within a short span of two days.
The service from Vashi to Swargate (Pune) has now been assigned to the Shivneri-Pune depot. It will be managed by the Pune depot to ensure better planning and convenience for passengers, according to Monika Wankhade, Division Controller of the Mumbai Division.
The discontinuation of the Vashi-Swargate Shivneri service reflects the importance of passenger demand and efficient planning in providing effective transportation solutions. ST Corporation will likely reassess the route and timing to better serve the needs of commuters traveling between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune.
