BEST Raises Commuter Concerns: Mumbai’s Public Bus Service Implements Substantial Fare Hikes
Mumbai, 4th March 2024: The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST), responsible for managing Mumbai’s public bus service, has recently enforced notable price adjustments for daily, weekly, and monthly passes starting from March 1st, 2024. This move, occurring amidst the absence of a permanent general manager, has stirred apprehensions among commuters and prompted inquiries into its justification, as reported by the Free Press Journal.
Previously, BEST provided four pass categories on their Chalo app, priced based on the single journey fare and the permitted number of trips within a specific duration. This system allowed commuters to select the most cost-effective option according to their travel requirements. Pass rates ranged from Rs. 59 for a daily pass to Rs. 1,499 for a monthly pass with 150 trips (Rs. 25 per single journey), the report noted.
BEST officials assert that the fare increase is aimed at enhancing the organization’s financial stability and streamlining transactions. However, the hike is substantial, reaching nearly 100% in certain instances, according to the report.
The most significant surge is observed in monthly passes, particularly those offering a higher number of trips. For instance, the monthly pass for 150 trips with a single journey fare of Rs. 6 has surged from Rs. 299 to Rs. 600. Similarly, the cost of the monthly unlimited pass has increased from Rs. 750 to Rs. 900, as outlined in the report.
Although the minimum fares for AC and non-AC buses remain steady at Rs. 5 and Rs. 6, respectively, concerns linger regarding the impact on commuters, particularly those dependent on public transport for daily activities. Subsidies for senior citizens and school children remain unaffected, but the overall hike places additional strain on household budgets, according to the report.
The updated pass choices are accessible for purchase on the BEST smart card and the Chalo app, offering some flexibility for commuters. Nevertheless, the significant price surge has elicited mixed reactions, with many expressing worries about affordability and questioning the timing and rationale behind the decision, especially given the current leadership vacuum at BEST. This situation underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing public transport affordability with the financial sustainability of transport authorities in major Indian cities.
