Mumbai commuters, gear up! Bus rides in the city are set to cost a lot more.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cleared a steep fare hike for BEST buses. Now, both ordinary and AC bus rides will be heavier on the pocket.
Minimum Fare Doubled
Starting soon, the minimum fare for ordinary BEST buses will jump from ₹5 to ₹10. Similarly, AC buses will now start at ₹20 instead of ₹6.
BMC’s decision means an almost double rise for many distance slabs. Officials say the fare hike was long pending due to rising operational costs.
Revised Fare Chart
For ordinary buses:
- 0-5 km: ₹10 (earlier ₹5)
- 5-10 km: ₹20 (earlier ₹10)
- 10-15 km: ₹30 (earlier ₹15)
- 15-20 km: ₹40 (earlier ₹20)
- Beyond 20 km: ₹50 (earlier ₹25)
For AC buses:
- 0-5 km: ₹20 (earlier ₹6)
- 5-10 km: ₹30 (earlier ₹15)
- 10-15 km: ₹40 (earlier ₹20)
- 15-20 km: ₹50 (earlier ₹25)
- Beyond 20 km: ₹60 (earlier ₹30)
BEST officials stated that operational costs had jumped by around 40%. However, passenger fare had remained unchanged for years.
When Will the New Fares Start?
The new rates will be implemented after necessary approvals from the transport authority. Sources suggest the rollout could happen within a month.
This is the first major fare revision since 2019.
Why the Hike?
BEST claims that the hike will help balance the increasing fuel, maintenance, and salary expenses.
Despite massive losses, BEST had delayed any fare hike during the pandemic to ease the burden on commuters.
What Commuters Say
Many Mumbaikars expressed anger on social media. Some called the fare rise “unfair” and “too sudden.” Others pointed out the need for better services before raising rates.
Student groups and senior citizen associations have also demanded concessions to be retained.
