Mumbai’s BEST Announces Fare Hike to Address Financial Challenges
Mumbai, May 8, 2025 — In a significant development affecting millions of daily commuters, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has announced an increase in bus fares, effective May 9. This fare review comes as the city’s public transport system grapples with ongoing financial difficulties and a shortage of operational buses.
Details of the Fare Increase
The fare hike will see the minimum charge for non-air-conditioned buses rise from ₹5 to ₹10 for trips up to five kilometers. Likewise, the fare for AC buses will increase from ₹6 to ₹12 for the same distance. As the distance increases, so do the fares; for instance, a ride of up to 50 kilometers will cost ₹60 for non-AC buses and ₹65 for AC buses. Beyond a distance of 50 kilometers, an additional ₹5 will be charged for every subsequent five kilometers traveled.
This adjustments mark the first fare change since 2018, when prices were last revised. With a current fleet of 2,186 buses, BEST plans to expand its service by adding 3,000 more buses to accommodate the growing demand from the city’s commuters.
Government Directive and Financial Background
The fare increase follows a directive from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who instructed BEST to explore alternative revenue sources to mitigate its financial woes. Despite a daily ridership of approximately 31 lakh passengers, BEST continues to face operational challenges that have strained its resources.
“Our focus is on stabilizing operations and enhancing the level of service we offer to Mumbai residents," a BEST spokesperson said.
Changes to Pass Prices and Student Discounts
In addition to the fare hike, BEST has revised prices for daily and monthly unlimited bus passes. The new daily pass will now cost ₹75, while the monthly pass will be sold for ₹1,800, providing travelers with unlimited access across the city and its suburbs. Despite these increases, there’s a silver lining for students; the bus pass charges for students will remain unchanged.
To support vulnerable groups, including municipal school uniform students and people with disabilities, free travel will continue to be offered through the CHALO smart card system. Furthermore, senior citizens using monthly passes will benefit from a discount of ₹50 on their monthly pass for 60, 90, and 120 trips.
Other Initiatives to Enhance Commuting Experience
BEST is also introducing a toll tax of ₹2 for passengers crossing the boundaries of the Brihanmumbai region. Commuters making electronic payments can benefit from a promotion offering an additional 5% in extra trips when purchasing 60, 90, or 120-trip passes. This means, for example, a purchase of a 60-trip pass will include three additional trips.
The fare increase reflects BEST’s ongoing efforts to address its financial crisis while working towards improving service delivery. With the rising costs, the organization hopes that these measures will help generate much-needed revenue without compromising accessibility for the city’s residents.
As Mumbai adjusts to these new fare changes, the implications for commuters and the overall public transport system continue to unfold, underscoring the critical balance between maintaining service quality and addressing financial viability.
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