Mumbai News: BEST Clarifies Viral Circular On Bus Fare Hike Is Internal, No Official Tariff Revision Yet

An internal circular reportedly issued by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has gone viral on social media, claiming that a significant hike in bus fares will come into effect from Thursday, May 8, 2025. However, when contacted, a senior BEST official said, "Approved copy of fare revision is not yet received from Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority. This is an internal circular for preparation only. An official press note will be issued before the implementation of the new tariff." 

The circular, appearing to be on official BEST letterhead and bearing the number 89/2025 dated May 5, states that the fare restructuring has been approved by both the BEST Committee and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

According to the viral document, the fare hike is based on Proposal No. 3 dated April 16 and BMC Proposal No. 67 dated April 23. It claims that the minimum fare for non-AC buses will double from Rs 5 to Rs 10 for journeys up to 5 km. Similarly, fares for longer distances have also been increased.

For journeys up to 5 km by non-AC buses, passengers will need to pay Rs 10 instead of the existing fare of Rs 5. For journeys up to 10 km, the new fare will be Rs 15; for up to 15 km, Rs 20; for up to 20 km, Rs 30; and for up to 25 km, Rs 35.

For journeys up to 5 km by AC buses, passengers will need to pay Rs 12 instead of the existing fare of Rs 5. For journeys up to 10 km, the new fare will be Rs 20; for up to 15 km, Rs 30; for up to 20 km, Rs 35; and for up to 25 km, Rs 40.

The circular states, “The BEST Undertaking's fare restructuring has been approved by the BEST Committee and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation through the aforementioned resolutions. The proposed fare restructuring will be implemented from Thursday, May 8, 2025.”