Launched in September 2024, Uber Shuttle quickly became a popular choice for commuters in Mumbai, offering fixed fares, various routes, and clean buses. However, as of July 12, the service has been suspended due to an investigation by the Maharashtra state transport department, which found that it was operating without the required permits. This decision will affect many office workers traveling from areas like Panvel, Kalyan, and Bhayandar to locations in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Worli, and south Mumbai.
The Uber Shuttle service, which started operating in Mumbai last year as a pilot project, has recently come under scrutiny. During the current session of the Maharashtra Assembly, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik pointed out that Uber had failed to secure the necessary permissions to run this service.
In response, Sarnaik instructed the transport commissioner to look into the issue and take appropriate measures. Officials from the transport department indicated that Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have been directed to carry out raids on unauthorized Uber Shuttle buses.
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Uber Shuttle Users Did Get A Notification On The App On 10th July
On Thursday, 10th July, an Uber representative confirmed that the Uber Shuttle would be available on Friday but would not operate on Saturday. The spokesperson did not elaborate on the reasons for this temporary halt or how long it would last. They noted that bus operators associated with Uber had been informed not to run the service starting last weekend.
According to an RTO officer, these Uber shuttle buses lack a Stage Carriage permit, which is crucial for public transport vehicles that carry passengers for various fares along set routes. This permit is issued under section 72 of the Motor Vehicles Act and outlines the routes, schedules, and specific conditions for operation.
Uber has been operating more than 100 routes with approximately 450-500 buses, offering fares that range from ₹90 to ₹250, depending on the destination and time of day. Recent Uber statistics revealed that the shuttle service attracted 432,000 new users who booked rides through the app.
Only time will tell if the shuttle services will make a comeback in Mumbai city.
