Here are the new BEST pass rates of 2024
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking in Mumbai has announced revisions to its bus pass rates, effective March 1.
The corporation asserts that the revamped bus pass scheme now offers enhanced benefits for commuters who opt for weekly, monthly, and daily passes.
According to a BEST spokesperson, the new BEST pass rates aim to address issues related to loose change, simplify the pass options, and bolster revenue streams.
The revision of the pass rates takes place less than a year after the introduction of the previous rates in April 2023.
The New BEST Pass Rates
With the new BEST pass rates, a seven-day bus pass, offering 15 trips at a fare rate of Rs 6 per ticket, will be priced at Rs 70.
For a Rs 25 ticket, the pass will now cost Rs 350. Similarly, passes for fare rates of Rs 13, Rs 19, and Rs 25 will be priced at Rs 175, Rs 265, and Rs 350 respectively.
Previously, the rates for weekly passes were Rs 59 for a Rs 6 fare, Rs 159 for a Rs 13 fare, Rs 229 for a Rs 19 fare, and Rs 299 for a Rs 25 fare.
Under the new BEST pass rates the monthly pass now provides trip options of 60, 100, and 150. For 60 trips on a 28-day pass, the cost ranges from Rs 300 for a Rs 6 fare to Rs 1,350 for a Rs 25 fare.
Similarly, for 100 trips, the pass costs Rs 450 for a Rs 6 fare and up to Rs 2,200 for a Rs 25 fare. For 150 trips, the pass ranges from Rs 600 for a Rs 6 fare to Rs 2,700 for a Rs 25 fare.
The updated pass for unlimited trips for one day will be priced at Rs 60, and for 30 days, it will cost Rs 900. Previously, these passes were priced at Rs 50 and Rs 750 respectively.
The new rates stand at Rs 60 for the daily pass and Rs 900 for the monthly pass, representing an increase from the previous rates of Rs 50 and Rs 750, respectively.
The following table summarizes the various pass types, the number of trips included, the ticket fare rates, and the corresponding pass costs under the new scheme:
New BEST Pass Rates
| Pass Type | Number of Trips | Ticket Fare (Rs) | Pass Cost (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seven-day Pass | 15 | 6 | 70 |
| Seven-day Pass | 15 | 13 | 175 |
| Seven-day Pass | 15 | 19 | 265 |
| Seven-day Pass | 15 | 25 | 350 |
| 28-day Pass | 60 | 6 | 300 |
| 28-day Pass | 60 | 13 | 650 |
| 28-day Pass | 60 | 19 | 950 |
| 28-day Pass | 60 | 25 | 1350 |
| 28-day Pass | 100 | 6 | 450 |
| 28-day Pass | 100 | 13 | 950 |
| 28-day Pass | 100 | 19 | 1400 |
| 28-day Pass | 100 | 25 | 2200 |
| 28-day Pass | 150 | 6 | 600 |
| 28-day Pass | 150 | 13 | 1300 |
| 28-day Pass | 150 | 19 | 1900 |
| 28-day Pass | 150 | 25 | 2700 |
| One-day Unlimited | Unlimited | – | 60 |
| 30-day Unlimited | Unlimited | – | 900 |
Student and Senior Citizen Benefits
Despite the revisions, the benefits for students and senior citizens remain unchanged.
BEST student passes continue to be priced at Rs 200, offering unlimited journeys.
Additionally, senior citizens continue to enjoy a Rs 50 concession on various bus passes, excluding weekly passes.
Consolidation of Pass Types
As part of the overhaul, the number of pass types has been reduced from 42 to 18.
The revised structure offers three main categories: weekly, monthly, and unlimited passes, simplifying the options for passengers.
This consolidation streamlines the process and eliminates unnecessary complexities.
Discontinued Passes
Along with introducing the new BEST pass rates, the corporation has also announced the discontinuation of a few types of passes.
Pass types, such as single-day passes valid for two, four, and 10 journeys, and fully flexible plans passes valid for 10, 30, and 50 journeys over an 84-day period, have been discontinued.
This decision aims to optimize resources and align with passenger preferences.
Fare Slabs and Value Adjustments
The new BEST pass rates adhere to four fare slabs, ranging from Rs 6 to Rs 25, ensuring affordability and flexibility for commuters.
With the minimum pass value set at Rs 60 for unlimited daily journeys and the maximum at Rs 2,700 for 28 days or 150 journeys, passengers have a range of options to suit their travel needs.
Implementation and Response
The decision to revise pass rates comes less than a year after the previous adjustments in April 2023.
BEST has already issued over 10 lakh closed-loop cards, facilitating the issuance of bus passes.
As the primary provider of bus services in Mumbai and surrounding areas, BEST caters to approximately 25 lakh passengers daily.
The revisions to BEST pass rates mark a proactive step towards enhancing the efficiency and affordability of public transportation in Mumbai.
By simplifying fare structures and consolidating pass options, BEST aims to offer a seamless commuting experience for residents and visitors alike.
