Mumbai Braces for Higher Bus Fares as BMC Approves Steep BEST Rate Increase

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has greenlit a significant fare hike for the city’s Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus services, a decision set to affect more than 31 lakh daily commuters. The move, aimed at addressing the financial struggles of the BEST undertaking, doubles the minimum fare for non-AC buses from ₹5 to ₹10 and raises the starting fare for AC buses from ₹6 to ₹12.

BMC Municipal Commissioner Dr. Bhushan Gagrani, in a statement to Navshakti, described the fare increase as unavoidable due to the undertaking’s dire financial situation. The proposal has been approved by the BMC but still requires final clearance from the state transport and urban development departments before implementation.

The fare hike extends beyond single tickets. Monthly passes for non-AC buses covering 5 km will now cost ₹800, up from ₹450, while AC bus monthly passes for the same distance will rise from ₹600 to ₹1,100. These changes reflect the BMC’s efforts to stabilize BEST’s finances, which have been strained in recent years.

The decision comes amidst other developments for BEST, including the introduction of new electric AC bus routes, such as Route A-30 flagged off by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis from Vikhroli Depot. As Mumbai’s commuters await the final approval of the fare adjustments, the increased costs are likely to spark discussions about balancing affordability and the sustainability of public transport in the city.