Maharashtra Bus Travel Rule Changes From October 1: What Senior Citizens, Women Passengers Need To Know | Mumbai-news News
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A new rule will change how senior citizens and women claim fare concessions on Maharashtra buses from October 1. Here’s what passengers need to do before travelling
MSRTC has asked eligible senior citizens and women passengers to complete their NCMC registration before the new system takes effect.
Senior citizens and women travelling on Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses will need a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) to avail themselves of fare concessions from October 1, 2026, as the state transport undertaking moves to a digital system for managing discounted travel.
The requirement applies to Amrit senior citizens, senior citizens and women passengers covered under MSRTC’s concession schemes, as reported by The Times of India.
NCMC Registration Already Underway
MSRTC has started the registration and distribution of NCMC cards at bus stations, depots and designated centres across Maharashtra. From October 1, eligible passengers will be able to receive concessional tickets using an active NCMC card or, while waiting for the physical card, a QR code-enabled registration receipt.
The QR-coded receipt can be scanned through the conductor’s Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM) to issue a discounted ticket. However, the receipt will be valid for only 30 days, during which passengers must activate their NCMC card and add money to it.
E-Bix To Handle Registration
MSRTC has appointed E-Bix Technologies Limited as its authorised agency for NCMC registration and distribution. Registration facilities are available at MSRTC bus stands, depots and authorised centres outside depot premises.
Passengers can also top up their NCMC cards through the BHIM app by scanning the QR code printed on the back of the card.
OTP Option For Biometric Difficulties
MSRTC has also provided an alternative for eligible beneficiaries who face problems during enrolment because their fingerprints are not recognised through Aadhaar-based biometric authentication.
Such passengers can complete registration using an OTP sent to the mobile number linked with their Aadhaar card, allowing them to access the NCMC system without relying on fingerprint authentication.
MSRTC Urges Passengers To Register Before October 1
The corporation has asked eligible senior citizens and women passengers to complete their NCMC registration before the new system takes effect. The move is intended to make concession travel more digital, transparent and easier to verify while reducing dependence on manual concession processing.
Passengers who have already registered but are awaiting their physical cards should retain their QR code registration receipt, as it can be used for concessional travel for up to 30 days, subject to the stated requirements.
Separately, the NCMC programme has already seen large-scale adoption across Maharashtra, with more than one crore registrations reported by the programme’s technology partners in August 2026.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Starting October 1, 2026, senior citizens and women passengers traveling on Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses must use a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) to avail themselves of fare concessions. The move transitions discounted travel to a digital system, making it more transparent and easier to verify.
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