I used to travel to Mumbai from Pune and back by Shivneri only. Its very good service made avaible by MSRTC.
It’s appreciable that MSRTC had come forward and took initiative to start VOLVO bus service on Mumbai Pune route. Few good things that I feel about this bus service are the conditions of buses is very good, buses are well mentioned and clean which is rare scenario for private service provider.
Once you confirm your ticket you will get a bottle of water and news paper along with your ticket.
Inside the bus, seating arrangement is also properly done, I have travelled seating on very frond row just behind drivers cabin and also on the last row of the seating, but I have experienced same level of comfort every time.
Leg space is also remarkably good. Seats are also in good condition, I have never experienced a problem with push back of seat, same experienced with lots of times with Neeta Volvo.
One thing which makes Shivneri different from other bus service provider is its punctuality; the bus starts on exact time which is mentioned on the ticket which never happens with other private buses.
There is one stop for bus which is at Lonavala, while travelling towards Mumabai and at khopili while travelling towards Pune.
About fare of this bus, current fare is Rs 225/- which is constant for entire week it will not go up to Rs. 300 at weekends and it will not go down till Rs. 150 on weekday. But Rs. 225 is quite good option for having safe and risk free journey.
Along with VOLVO buses MSRTC has introduced Kinglong(Cerita) buses which is a collaboration of Chinese Company with TATA which also good quality buses like VOLVO. Every thing is same like VOLVO, only there is bit difference of suspension, where VOLVO has edge over Kinglong buses. But in 3 hours journy over NH4 includes journey over express way you will not experience this difference.
For Dadar bust starts from Pune Station goes via Aundh, Wakad to Dadar TT.
MSRTC also has introduced Shivneri service for Pune - Thane - Borivalli route. This bus starts from Swarget and at Thane starts from Vandana.
At the same time service is available for Pune - Nasik which starts from Shivajinagar, Pune.