Uber Shuttle Service to Discontinue in Mumbai Amid Lack of State Authorisation

In a move that could significantly impact office commuters, Uber Shuttle, the transport giant’s premium bus service, will be taken off Mumbai roads starting July 12. This follows a probe by the Maharashtra state transport department, which found that the service was operating without mandatory permits.

Transport Minister Flags Illegality of Operations

The Uber Shuttle, launched last year as a ‘pilot project’ in Mumbai, was operating across more than 100 routes with nearly 450-500 buses. It served commuters travelling from suburban areas like Panvel, Kalyan, Bhayandar, and Thane to key business districts such as BKC, Worli, and South Mumbai. As per news reports, during the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly session, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik revealed that Uber had not obtained the required permissions to run the service. 

He subsequently directed the transport commissioner to take necessary action. Officials from the transport department confirmed that Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have been instructed to conduct raids on unauthorised Uber Shuttle buses.

An RTO officer stated, “These buses do not have a Stage Carriage permit.” The permit, mandatory under section 72 of the Motor Vehicles Act, is essential for public transport vehicles as it outlines specific routes, schedules, and operational conditions.

Uncertainty Around Future Operations and Industry Impact

An Uber official confirmed, “Uber Shuttle will be available on Friday but won’t be operational on Saturday.” Although the official did not comment on the duration or exact reason for the suspension, they added that bus operators had been informed not to run services starting this weekend.

The sudden halt is expected to disrupt travel for a significant number of daily office-goers. According to Uber, the shuttle service had recorded over 432,000 new users booking seats via its app. With fares ranging between ₹90 and ₹250 depending on destination and time, these white-coloured buses had become a regular sight near hubs like BKC, where they were often seen parked along road lanes.

Prabhajeet Singh, President of Uber India and South Asia, remarked that the Uber Shuttle was a licensed product in Delhi. “In Mumbai, it is running on a pilot basis. Based on the customer feedback and how it complements Mumbai’s infrastructure, we will take a further call,” said Singh.

As per the Mint report, Uber Shuts Down Shuttle Bus Service in Hyderabad. Citing low ridership and significant operational costs, Uber has ceased its Shuttle bus services in the city. However, Uber Shuttle will continue to operate normally in Delhi and Kolkata.

Read More: Secret Formula to Maximise SIP Returns: Know How to Build A ₹86 Lakh Corpus in 15 Years With 10-7-1 Rule!

Conclusion

The suspension of Uber Shuttle in Mumbai underscores the growing tension between tech-based transport solutions and regulatory frameworks. While such services offer convenience and fill crucial mobility gaps, compliance with transport laws remains non-negotiable. The ongoing talks between Uber and the state government may determine whether the service makes a regulated return in the near future.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.