The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking—once the backbone of Mumbai’s public transportation—is witnessing a sharp decline in its owned bus fleet. As of June 1, BEST owns only 437 buses, accounting for just 17 % of its total operational fleet of 2,594 buses. The remaining 2,157 buses (83 %) are operated under wet-lease agreements with private contractors.
"This drastic shift in fleet composition is raising concerns about service reliability and commuter convenience. According to recent data, the total number of BEST buses has fallen below 2,600—a worrying trend for a densely populated, transport‑dependent metropolis like Mumbai" said an union leader of BEST.
According to sources, reduction in the owned fleet has been rapid. In September 2023, BEST had approximately 1,500 owned buses. By April 2024, that number had dropped to 1,100, before plunging to the current figure of 437. This decline is largely attributed to phasing out buses that have exceeded the 15‑year operational limit mandated by government regulations.
As the fleet has shrunk and reliance on leased buses has grown, many passengers are experiencing longer wait times. “Earlier, I would get a bus to the office within 5–7 minutes during rush hour. Now it takes 15–20 minutes,” said Savitri Jadhav, a regular commuter from Mulund.
In addition to the fleet reduction, BEST’s total fleet remains at 2,594 buses—2,157 (83 %) hired and only 437 (17 %) owned. To improve its financial condition, BEST recently revised its fares. The daily pass increased from Rs 60 to Rs 75, while the monthly pass jumped from Rs 900 to Rs 1,800. Minimum fares doubled—from Rs 5 to Rs 10 on non–air‑conditioned buses, and from Rs 6 to Rs 12 on air‑conditioned buses. Consequently, commuters traveling short distances on BEST buses have decreased.
During May 2025, BEST served a total of 59.5 million passengers—an average of nearly two million per day. Previously, daily ridership ranged between 3.0 and 3.2 million passengers.
“A slight dip in passenger numbers during the summer months, especially in May, is typical, since schools and colleges shut for holidays,” said a senior BEST official. “This year is no different, and the pattern aligns with past trends.”
However, transport analysts remain unconvinced. According to a retired official from the BEST transport department, the fare hike has made daily commuting less affordable—especially for low‑income passengers who depend heavily on public buses for work and essential travel.
Sources also stated that, compared to May 2024, passenger numbers declined in May 2025. In May 2024, BEST carried 80.8 million passengers—an average of 2.6 million per day. In May 2025, this dropped to 59.5 million .
