Nashik: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has slashed the rates of its Shivshahi sleeper coach by 25%, making travel easier for the commuters.“The MSRTC has cut fares for its sleeper coach service keeping in mind the demand by the customers and the competition in the market. This will make the vehicle more easily accessible for commuters who currently prefer the private mode of transport,” said an MSRTC official.The officer pointed out that suggestions and demands to this effect were presented by some of the MSRTC officers from across the state. “The suggestions and demands were made to the central office since December by the officers and the union leaders after which the decision to amend the fares was reached,” he said.He further added that the fall in the fuel prices must be noted as well. “At the time of the launch of the services, those rates of fuel were taken into consideration. Now that the prices have eased off, the MSRTC is passing all the benefits to the commuters. This will help increase the occupancy of the bus and in turn, bring more revenue to the cash-starved corporation,” said the official.The commuters have also welcomed the decision saying that this has been awaited for a long time.“The fares for the sleeper coach were too high and non-competitive. The MSRTC should have realized earlier that its services in the semi-luxury segment were yet to be tested. Shivhshahi seating has evolved but the sleeper coach service was the newest. The new fares will definitely draw people towards it,” said Shailaja Patel, who commutes regularly to Ahmedabad.“Ever since the launch of its air-conditioned vehicles, the MSRTC has been known to take wrong decisions. The same had happened with the launch of the Shivneri buses,” said Ketan Shaligram, a Nashikite.

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