BEST route sees surge in commuters after Metro hikes fare

Happy days are here to stay for BEST bus route 340, which runs between Ghatkopar and Andheri. Since June, it has been earning approximately Rs40,000 additionally, on a daily basis.

Since it was the lone connectivity for the Western Railways in Andheri, and the Central Railways at Ghatkopar, the route would always be overcrowded, owing to its popularity.

Things changed on June 9, 2014, when Mumbai's Metro commenced its services. The worst day for it so far, route 340 saw a sharp dip in its revenue, when its commuters switched loyalty to the Metro. The reason was simple – air conditioning, economical and significantly lesser time to reach their destinations.

Now however, this route is seeing a surge in passengers once again, after Metro fares were hiked on Jan 15, 2015. Currently, the fare on the Andheri-Ghatkopar route by metro is Rs30, whereas it is Rs15 for BEST buses.
The sudden increase in Metro fares has put unwanted burden on the wallet of the common citizen, compelling them to travel by BEST buses.

Earlier, without the Metro, travel time between Ghatkopar and Andheri was higher, owing to the heavy movement of public transport. Now, the traffic is much lower, and thus, travel time on the route has seen a considerable decease.

A highly placed source in the BEST traffic department, on condition of anonymity, informed: "Route 340 is generating an additional daily revenue of Rs40,000, which works out to an approximate 20% rise. This amount is lesser than what they used to earn previously when there was no Metro, but it is a good sign of improvements."

Sudhir Devkishan Bhaiya, a commuter who used to travel by Metro daily, said that the fare hike is unreasonable, which is why he avails of the services less often now. "Only when it is essential, I travel by Metro, but otherwise, I travel by route 340. While I have to spend Rs60 for a return travel by Metro, I am paying Rs30 return fare if I travel by bus. That is almost a 50% saving, which is huge."

Hanumant Gophane, PRO, BEST, said: "As passengers are happy with the economical and affordable fare, they have returned to travelling by BEST. It is a win-win situation for both, passengers and the BEST administration."