PUNE: Time-table, reservation of tickets, journey routes and other needed information about buses of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is now just a phone call away and with the State Transport utility launching a toll-free helpline number 1800 22 1250 for the benefit of passengers on Wednesday.

The helpline, which can be accessed from 7 am to 11 pm initially, will also look after the passengers’ grievances or complaints.

“The toll-free helpline number can be accessed through BSNL, MTNL and few other selected private network service providers,” assistant public relations officer of MSRTC, Mukund Dhus said, adding that passengers from across the state can use this facility.

Dhus said that toll-free helpline number is being launched with the view to enhance passengers’ satisfaction and to improve the service offered to public.

It is noteworthy that MSRTC, last month, had introduced online reservation facility for passengers and has been equipping its bus conductors with special Electronic Ticket Issuing Machines of late with the view to keep itself abreast of time.

State Transport Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil inaugurated the facility on Wednesday at MSRTC headquarters in Mumbai, where a dedicated cell of six employees has been formed for the effective working of toll-free helpline number.

Vice president and  managing director of MSRTC Deepak Kapoor has appealed to passengers to use toll-free helpline number and help in making better the services of state transport utility.