Mumbai, October 30: On Tuesday, it was announced that there will be no BEST fare hike till 2021, however, the losses would escalate to Rs 2,250 crores for 2020-21. The amount is nearly six times that of 2018-19. According to a Times of India report, 2018-19 deficit was Rs 380 crore, and it increased to Rs 729 crore in 2019-20. This amount is expected to reach its peak at Rs 2,250 crore in the next financial year.

Diwali bonus of Rs 9,100 was to be given to all the staff. In the meeting, it was decided that 40,000 staff would get the bonus. Reduction in fares further led to the loss of the undertaking, however, they are willing to bear this to ensure a comfortable journey to the commuters. BEST Fare Cut Sees 30% Rise in Ridership, AC Buses in Mumbai Witness 80% Jump.

In July, the bus fares were revised to increase the daily ridership. The revised fares for five kilometres is Rs five for Non-AC buses and Rs six for AC.  Up to 10 km, it is Rs 10 for Non-AC and Rs 13 for AC. The fare up to 15 km for Non-AC bus is Rs 15 and for AC it is 19. Above 15 km, Non-AC fare is Rs 20 and Rs 25 for AC buses. Post the reduction in the fares, the daily ridership saw a huge increase.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2019 10:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).