Mumbai: BEST Bus Fares Directly Doubled in the First Hike in 7 Years

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a major fare hike for Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus services. More than 31 lakh daily commuters will be directly impacted by the change. 

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) is yet to give the final approval. As per reports, the hike was necessary due to BEST’s serious financial troubles. After the hike, the minimum fare for non-AC buses will rise from INR 5 to INR 10.

Revised non-AC bus fare for Best Bus:

Revised AC Bus Fare for Best Bus:

Weekly and monthly passes will also become more expensive. A non-AC monthly pass for 5 km of travel will now cost INR 800 instead of INR 450.

Revised Monthly Pass Rates:

Revised Weekly Pass Rates:

In the last 10 years, the civic body has given BEST around INR 11,000 crore in subsidies. Despite this, BEST continued to suffer growing losses. The BMC has now rejected further bailouts because of its own budget problems. 

The decision has caused concern among passengers. Many fear that higher fares will hurt daily ridership, especially among lower-income groups. 

Citizen groups and commuter bodies have asked the government to reconsider or introduce the hike slowly. They warned that the hike could push more people to use private vehicles or packed trains. This could worsen Mumbai’s traffic and pollution.

With the change, BEST’s annual revenue is expected to jump from INR 845 crore to over INR 1,400 crore after the hike. Officials estimate that the fare revision will add INR 590 crore to BEST’s earnings.

The last time BEST adjusted fares was in 2018. At that time, the minimum fare for regular buses was set at INR 8 and INR 20 for AC buses. Later in 2019, Municipal Commissioner Praveen Pardeshi reduced the minimum fares to INR 5 for regular buses and INR 6 for AC buses to increase ridership.