Public Transport Shake-Up: Mumbai’s BEST Buses Roll Out Boldest Price Jump Yet

Unknown Apr 02, 2026 1,800 Views

Mumbai’s daily bus commuters are set to feel the pinch as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a sharp hike in BEST bus fares-the first in seven years-doubling the minimum fare for both AC and non-AC buses. The move, aimed at rescuing the financially strained transport...

Key Highlights:

Minimum Fare Doubled:

Minimum fare for non-AC buses shoots from ₹5 to ₹10, with AC buses experiencing an increase from ₹6 to ₹12. This doubling is across short-distance slabs, with longer routes experiencing even higher jumps.

Revised Fare Structure:

Non-AC buses:

Up to 5 km: ₹10 (from ₹5)
Up to 10 km: ₹15 (from ₹10)
Up to 15 km: ₹20 (from ₹15)
Up to 20 km: ₹30 (from ₹20)

AC buses:

Up to 5 km: ₹12 (from ₹6)
Up to 10 km: ₹20 (previously ₹13)
Up to 15 km: ₹30 (previously ₹19)
Up to 20 km: ₹35 (previously ₹30)

Passes Get Costlier:

Monthly passes for non-AC buses (5 km) increase from ₹450 to ₹800; AC passes (5 km) increase from ₹600 to ₹1,100. Weekly passes and longer distance passes also experience significant increases.

Why the Hike?

Authorities point towards increasing losses and the requirement for financial stability as major reasons. Even after over ₹11,000 crore spent on subsidies during the past ten years, BEST still runs into losses. The fare increase should increase revenue by around ₹590 crore and meet the requirements for fleet expansion as well as enhance services.

Commuter Backlash

The move has met with widespread resentment, particularly among low- and middle-income sections, with several demanding a phased or revamped hike.

Waiting for Final Approval:

Though BMC has given the go-ahead to the hike, final approval is pending the MMRTA's nod, due in the next few weeks.

Sources: India Today, Times Now, India TV News, Indian Express, Hindustan Times, CNBC-TV18

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