Mumbai: In a move that will directly impact over 31 lakh daily commuters, the BMC has approved a sharp fare hike for bus services operated by Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking in the city. As per the new decision, the minimum fare of BEST buses will be doubled.
The decision, which aims to revive the financially troubled public transport service, has received approval from the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and awaits final clearance from the state transport and urban development departments.
BMC Commissioner Gives Confirmation On Fare Hike
Municipal Commissioner Dr. Bhushan Gagrani confirmed the development in a statement to Navshakti, noting that the fare hike was unavoidable given the grim financial condition of the undertaking. Once implemented, the minimum fare for non-AC buses will rise from Rs 5 to Rs 10, while AC bus fares will start at Rs 12 instead of Rs 6.
Monthly & Weekly Passes To Get Expensive As Well
Monthly and weekly passes have also seen substantial hikes. A 5 km non-AC monthly pass will now cost Rs 800, up from Rs 450, while its AC counterpart will jump from Rs 600 to Rs 1,100. For a 20 km commute, the non-AC pass will cost Rs 2,600, up from Rs 2,200, and the AC pass will soar to Rs 3,500 from Rs 2,700.
