Mumbai
Updated : Oct 22, 2014, 07:00 AM IST
The minimum fare on BEST buses may see an upward rise of Rs2 in next few months if the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) doesn't financially assist the transport undertaking.
As the budget proposal of the BEST administration for the year 2015-16, the transport body requires an assistance of Rs150 crore from the civic body. In case money doesn't come, the minimum fare will become Rs8 as against the present Rs6 for ordinary and limited buses.
The budget proposes to hike the rate for minimum distance from Rs3 to Rs10 on express bus services. Similarly, air-conditioned bus fares for first 2 kms will stand at Rs 30, an increase of Rs10 from the present rate of Rs20.
For commuters travelling in ordinary and limited buses, stages of 14 and 20 kms will be expensive by Rs 4, that is Rs 22 from the ongoing Rs 18.
In April 2014, BMC helped Mumbaikars from bearing the cost of increased fares by approving a grant of Rs 150 crore. The decision on the financial grant (by Shiv Sena-BJP ruled BMC) was taken keeping an eye on the Lok Sabha elections and state polls.
The budget was presented to the BEST's standing committee on on October 7, but due to the model code of conduct for assembly elections, it was opened only on Tuesday.
"The BEST has received Rs 37.50 crore in August 2014 out of the Rs 150 crore from BMC for the financial year 2014-15," mentioned the document. The civic corporation is yet to pay Rs 112.5 crore to the transport body to absorb fare hike that was postponed to February 1, 2015.
At the mercy of BMC
Service type Present minimum fare Proposed rate
Ordinary and limited buses 6 8
Express 3 10
AC 20 30
All figures in Rs
BEST maths
ENERGY
Income: 5,371.73
Expenditure: 1,513.62
Total (Surplus): 3,858.11
TRANSPORT
Income: 1,813.83
Expenditure: 2,591.74
Total (Deficit): 777.91