The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is riding a massive wave of digital adoption, with passengers overwhelmingly choosing UPI payments like PhonePe and Google Pay for bus tickets. Official data from the last four months of 2025 reveals a consistent and impressive surge in digital transactions, marking a significant shift away from cash for millions of commuters.
Steady Climb in Digital Revenue and Transactions
The statistics tell a compelling story of growth. The journey began in September 2025, where MSRTC recorded a substantial 49.79 lakh (4.979 million) UPI transactions, contributing Rs 64 crore to its revenue. This positive trend gained momentum in the following month.
By October 2025, the revenue generated through UPI channels increased significantly to Rs 77.32 crore. The upward trajectory continued into November, with earnings reaching approximately Rs 78.66 crore.
December 2025: A Record-Breaking Month
The year ended on a high note for MSRTC's digital initiative. December 2025 emerged as the peak period in this four-month span, witnessing over 62.59 lakh (6.259 million) ticket purchases completed via UPI. This remarkable volume translated into a revenue of Rs 83.67 crore, setting a new benchmark for cashless travel within the state transport system.
Beyond Convenience: Ending Disputes and Leakage
An MSRTC official highlighted that the benefits of this digital push extend far beyond mere passenger convenience. With UPI payment options available at bus stations, ticket counters, and even through conductors during the journey, commuters have saved considerable time and eliminated the hassle of carrying exact change.
"Consequently, unnecessary disputes with carriers over change completely ended," the official stated. This seamless system has also brought in greater operational efficiency and accountability. The digital payment process has increased transparency and helped curb revenue leakage, ensuring more accurate tracking of every ticket sold.
The resounding success of UPI payments in MSRTC services underscores a broader move towards a digital economy in public transport, setting a precedent for other state corporations across India.
