Mumbai, July 11: Mumbai’s daily commute is set for major disruption as the Maharashtra government launches a sweeping crackdown on app-based shuttle bus services like Uber Shuttle and Cityflo, a report has said. The state has ordered the immediate suspension of operations for aggregator buses found operating without valid permits, with over 450 buses across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) likely to go off the roads by the weekend.

According to the Times of India report, the move comes after Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik directed the transport department to act against illegal bus aggregators. He confirmed that services like Uber Shuttle, which connect suburbs such as Panvel, Thane, Kalyan, and Mira-Bhayandar with business districts like BKC and Nariman Point, have been operating without the mandatory Stage Carriage Permit under Section 72 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Bike Taxi Policy Approved by Maharashtra Government: Where Will E-Bike Taxis Operate? What Is the Passenger Limit? Here's All You Need To Know.

Uber Shuttle, Cityflo and Other App-Based Buses To Go Off Roads in Mumbai From July 12

Officials from the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have been instructed to conduct raids and stop services lacking authorisation. Sarnaik also criticised senior transport officials for inaction, citing that mere issuance of notices to these aggregators was insufficient. “Strict action must be taken, including penalising operators and holding officials accountable,” he said during the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly session.

Uber Shuttle, which began operating in Mumbai last year as a ‘pilot project’, reportedly did so without formal approval from the state transport department. While Uber holds licenses in Delhi and Kolkata, its Mumbai operations remain unauthorised. A senior Uber official confirmed that the shuttle service will cease operations from Saturday, although it will remain visible on the app until then. Mumbai and Other Maharashtra Cities Set To Get E-Bike Taxis As Devendra Fadnavis-Led Cabinet Gives Nod to Policy, Check Full Details.

Industry insiders suggest the absence of a clear policy for bus aggregators is at the heart of the issue. Despite some companies claiming to have applied for licenses, the lack of a state-level framework continues to pose legal hurdles. Cityflo, which also faces suspension, stated that it had previously sought permits and is open to collaborating with the government.

The crackdown is expected to impact thousands of office-goers who depend on these buses for their daily commutes, with no immediate alternatives in sight. Uber’s shuttle network alone spans more than 100 routes, ferrying passengers at fares ranging between INR 90 to INR 250.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 11, 2025 04:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).