Archive · 12 Aug 2025
Mumbai's BEST: Balancing Revenue with Ridership and Accessibility
Mumbai's bus service, BEST, raised fares and made more money, but fewer people are riding.
This is because some people now take crowded trains, which is unsafe.
Other cities give women free bus rides, and this has helped more people use public transport and made things better.
Mumbai could try this too.
The main point is, buses should focus on moving people safely and affordably, not just making money.
BEST's revenue increased to ₹3.25 crore daily after a fare hike.
Ridership has dropped by 1 million passengers daily since the fare increase.
Commuters are shifting to overcrowded local trains.
Other states have implemented zero-fare bus travel for women, increasing ridership.
A zero-fare policy could help BEST, improve access, and stabilize routes.
- Who
- BEST, commuters, and women in Mumbai.
- What
- A discussion about BEST's financial situation and a proposed zero-fare policy for women.
- When
- Recent fare hikes and comparisons to policies in other states.
- Where
- Mumbai and other Indian states like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Karnataka.
- Why
- To improve ridership, accessibility, and financial sustainability of public transport.
Current BEST Approach
Proposed Alternative
Primary Goal
Current BEST Approach
Prioritizes revenue through fare hikes.
Proposed Alternative
Focuses on passenger numbers, safety, and inclusivity.
Overall Impact
Current BEST Approach
May lead to fewer riders and unsafe commutes.
Proposed Alternative
Could improve access, increase ridership, and benefit the environment.
- BEST Daily Revenue
- ₹3.25 crore
- Daily Ridership Loss
- 1 million passengers
- Delhi Pink Ticket Program
- 150 crore free rides
- Hyderabad Mahalakshmi Scheme
- 200 crore free journeys
- Karnataka Shakti Scheme
- 500 crore free rides