Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking is under increasing public fire after recent fare increases and contentious land sales. Citizens’ organizations, political parties, and transport specialists are warning that the steps could weaken Mumbai’s public transport network and disproportionately hit blue-collar commuters.
Fare Hike Sparks Widespread Protests
In July 2025, BEST increased fares, doubling the minimum fare of non-AC buses to ₹10 from ₹5 and for AC buses to ₹12 from ₹6 for a 5 km run. This action has been welcomed with stiff resistance from all quarters.
A group of 13 city-based associations converged on the Wadala bus depot, submitting a four-point demand charter to BEST officials. They had made the demands that the fare increase be rolled back, wet leasing of buses be stopped, curtailed bus routes be reinstated, and BEST’s budget be merged with that of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to be able to provide financial assistance.
The All Mumbai Autorickshaw and Taxi Union (AMATU) also condemned the fare hike, proposing that BEST use the subsidies offered under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME-2) scheme to buy its own electric buses instead of depending on private operators.
Controversial Land Sales Raise Eyebrows
At the same time, BEST’s move to monetize its land holdings has come under the scanner. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in April 2025 sanctioned the re-development of three BEST depots. The move has been controversial, though, following past experiences when land sales created operational problems. For instance, following the sale of the Mahim depot, there was not enough space for buses, and the Ambedkar Garden Depot was closed.
Community groups are calling on BEST to stop selling more land and concentrate on enhancing bus services. They contend that such sales undermine the city’s public transport network and favor short-term profits at the expense of long-term public interest.
Even political leaders have joined in to express their opinions. Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (Uddhav group) leader, has stood against the increase in fares, labeling it as a burden on the man on the street. He stressed that there should be a balance in dealing with the economic limitations of those who commute daily.
Public outcry has meant a heightened focus on BEST’s management and future developments. The public is calling for more openness and responsibility in decision-making, especially regarding fare arrangements and asset planning.
Structural Reform Calls
Civil society stakeholders are calling for wide-ranging reforms that will make BEST sustainable. They recommend the following:
Rolling back the fare increase: The reinstatement of old fares to ease the cost burden on commuters.
Stopping wet leasing: Inspiring BEST to run its own fleet of buses so that service can be better and it becomes less dependent on private operators.
Reinstating cut routes: Reintroducing bus routes that were earlier cut or shortened to provide better connectivity.
Combining budgets: Merging BEST’s budget with the BMC’s so that there can be regular financial assistance and operations can become more streamlined.
The ongoing backlash against BEST’s fare hike and land sales highlights the delicate balance between financial sustainability and public service in urban transportation. As Mumbai continues to grow, it is imperative for policymakers to engage with citizens and stakeholders to develop solutions that prioritize the needs of the public while ensuring the viability of essential services like public transportation.
The next few weeks will be pivotal in deciding if BEST will be able to ride out these obstacles and regain public faith. Ongoing communication and open decision-making will be essential to realizing a transportation system that caters to Mumbai’s residents’ varied needs.
