Public Transport Shake-Up: Mumbai’s BEST Buses Roll Out Boldest Price Jump Yet

Mumbai’s daily bus commuters are set to feel the pinch as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a sharp hike in BEST bus fares-the first in seven years-doubling the minimum fare for both AC and non-AC buses. The move, aimed at rescuing the financially strained transport body, will impact over 31 lakh daily riders once implemented.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Minimum Fare Doubled:

Minimum fare for non-AC buses shoots from ₹5 to ₹10, with AC buses experiencing an increase from ₹6 to ₹12. This doubling is across short-distance slabs, with longer routes experiencing even higher jumps.

 

Revised Fare Structure:

 

Non-AC buses:

AC buses:

Passes Get Costlier:

Monthly passes for non-AC buses (5 km) increase from ₹450 to ₹800; AC passes (5 km) increase from ₹600 to ₹1,100. Weekly passes and longer distance passes also experience significant increases.

 

Why the Hike?

Authorities point towards increasing losses and the requirement for financial stability as major reasons. Even after over ₹11,000 crore spent on subsidies during the past ten years, BEST still runs into losses. The fare increase should increase revenue by around ₹590 crore and meet the requirements for fleet expansion as well as enhance services.

 

Commuter Backlash

The move has met with widespread resentment, particularly among low- and middle-income sections, with several demanding a phased or revamped hike.

 

Waiting for Final Approval:

Though BMC has given the go-ahead to the hike, final approval is pending the MMRTA's nod, due in the next few weeks.

 

Sources: India Today, Times Now, India TV News, Indian Express, Hindustan Times, CNBC-TV18