Concession cut for students on BEST buses

The management of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has planned to revise certain subsidies given to students up to class 12 in order to cut down on losses. The plan is to reduce the concession rates of bus tickets which are provided to students up to class 12.

BEST officials said the plan is a part of the action report which has been submitted to the civic body for approval. Students have been receiving Rs 150 as concession for a monthly bus pass since 2009, which is otherwise Rs 800 for other passengers.

The subsidy rates will be equally revised for senior citizens, disabled persons and freedom fighters also. The organisation will save at least Rs 25 crore after the rates are completely abolished for students, senior citizens and freedom fighters.

“We will not abolish the subsidies completely. The rates will be reduced to save money. It is finally a question of survival for the undertaking,” said a senior official from BEST.

The civic body had asked the organisation to submit an action report after which they will provide them with Rs1,000 crore for revival.

The revised concession rates will be declared in the next committee meeting slated for Thursday.

Committee members felt the students must not be penalised to cut down on losses of the undertaking.

“It is important that students get the subsidies as they travel on a regular basis. The decision on the rates will be made during our next committee meeting,” said Ravi Raja, a BEST committee member.