News India Live, Digital Desk: Mumbai public transport: Mumbai’s red buses, once considered the lifeline of the working class of the city, are now facing vacant seats and cool stops. The recent fare hike by the Brihanmumbai Power Supply and Transport (Best) venture has led to a significant decline in passengers, and the number of daily passengers has declined by more than 10 percent since the increase on May 9.
While the Best officials described the summer holidays as the cause of seasonal lethargy in the journey, transport supervisors and community advocates suggest that the problem is even deeper. The increasing number of passengers is choosing the option of shared auto-rickshaws and taxis, which now offers comparable fare with fast service.
Increase in Best Fare: How much extra fees are being charged?
Under the new tariff, passengers will have to pay Rs 10 for an air conditioned journey and Rs 12 for air condition ride. Shared Auto, which continues to charge Rs 10 for short distance trips, now offer strict competition, especially in areas where buses have to wait longer. For example, in eastern suburbs like Mulund, people traveling between residential areas like railway station and dream city are fast leaving buses and going in favor of fast options.
The increase in fares for many daily wage laborers, domestic workers, security personnel and elderly citizens of the city has already made the risky journey even more difficult. Which was once an affordable and reliable means of transport, now it seems like a luxury that some people cannot tolerate.
Remarkable increase from previous rate structure
The fare adjustment reflects a significant change from the previous structure of Best, where the fare for non-AC buses at 5 kilometers was Rs 5 and Rs 6 for AC buses, making it one of the most affordable options for public transport in the city. Workers and passenger welfare groups now feared that this increase will push the passengers towards more polluting and congested travel means, which will make the efforts being made for years with the aim of promoting sustainable transport.
There is a deep concern about the city’s future of public transport behind the fare hike. Critics have warned that the ongoing steps for privatizing parts of Best’s operation have led to a decline in service, reduced root coverage, maintenance of buses is poor and personnel have received less training.
Big B Advice: Amitabh Bachchan’s Motivational Message: Things come in the right place in life only
