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For the first time in seven years, Mumbai's daily commuters are getting ready for a big change in their travel expenses. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a fare increase for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses. This is the first fare hike since 2018 and will double the minimum fares for both air-conditioned (AC) and non-AC buses. Over 31 lakh people depend on BEST buses every day, making this a major shift in the city's public transport costs.
Fare Changes for AC and Non-AC Buses
With the new fare structure, the minimum ticket price for non-AC buses will go up from Rs 5 to Rs 10. For AC buses, the minimum fare will increase from Rs 6 to Rs 12. This decision comes as BEST faces major financial troubles, despite getting more than Rs 11,000 crore in subsidies over the last ten years. Due to budget problems, the BMC decided it could no longer provide financial help and saw the fare hike as the only option to keep the buses running.
Decision After Discussions with the Chief Minister
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani approved the fare hike after discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Officials explained that the fare structure had stayed the same for a long time, which made BEST's financial problems worse. They believe the fare increase is necessary to strengthen BEST's finances and modernize the bus network for a better service in the future.
However, many commuters, especially those from lower and middle-income groups, are worried. They feel the hike will put extra pressure on their daily budgets, making travel less affordable for them.
New Fare Structure for Different Distances
The new fare system introduces a Rs 5 increase across different non-AC bus distances - from short trips of 0-5 km to longer journeys over 20 km. Similarly, AC bus fares will change based on the distance traveled, with new rates set at Rs 12, Rs 20, Rs 30, Rs 35, and Rs 40. Weekly and monthly pass rates for both non-AC and AC buses have also been revised, with some pass prices doubling to match the new fare plan.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
This new fare policy changes the approach taken in 2019, when the then-municipal commissioner Praveen Pardeshi had reduced bus fares to encourage more people to use public transport. Now, while the fare hike is aimed at saving BEST from financial trouble, it has restarted discussions about how affordable public transport should be for Mumbai's diverse population.
The final approval for the new fares is still awaited from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA). Meanwhile, millions of Mumbaikars are waiting to see how these changes will affect their daily commute.
The fare hike for BEST buses marks an important moment for Mumbai's public transport. It highlights the tough balance between keeping services running financially and making sure travel stays affordable for everyone. As these changes come into effect, the impact on daily life and the city's transport system will be carefully watched.
