India, May 9 -- Beginning today, BEST commuters will have to shell out double the minimum fare and more money for longer routes. The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) on Thursday announced its new hiked rates: Rs.10 minimum fare for non-AC buses, Rs.12 for AC buses and an increase of Rs.5 for every 5 km after a journey of 20 km. BEST will also levy an additional Rs.2 as local tax if buses cross the limits of Mumbai district.

BEST sources said that the Undertaking's long routes contributed to 25% to 30% of the total 428 bus routes, ferrying 3 million to 3.2 million passengers daily. The Undertaking is also re-introducing the concessional fare for children (five to 12 years), which will be around 50% lower. T...