MUMBAI: The BEST will launch its app-based AC premium buses from Thane to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and another route from BKC to Kurla station from September 26 for a fare of Rs 5 per km.
Seats on these buses can only be booked over the Chalo app and the process is similar to booking a seat on a private aggregator bus. The idea of launching these buses was to counter the threats from private aggregator buses plying from Thane and Navi Mumbai to the city, officials said.
"We are initially launching the Thane-BKC route with four or five buses. Subsequently, Kharghar to BKC and western suburbs to BKC will be launched in phases as more premium buses join the fleet," an official said.
Although the fare of Rs 5 per km for daily bus tickets has been finalised, the fares for monthly passes will be decided in a few days, an official said. "It will be cheaper than your aggregator cabs," he pointed out.
When contacted, BEST general manager Lokesh Chandra said on Saturday that the tentative date for launch was September 26. "Our key objective is to dissuade people from bringing private cars on roads and travel by our premium buses to office. We appeal to maximum people to avail of the service," he said.
"You can relax, also charge your laptops and mobiles while travelling and reach your destination on time. The app will help you track the bus, give you information on the occupancy and also allow you to purchase seats real-time before the bus arrives at the stop," an official said.
You can board the bus, tap-in the mobile on the machine kept at the door and tap-out while alighting at the stop. The fare will be deducted automatically depending on the distance travelled.
Meanwhile, the BEST has already begun app-based buses from T2 airport. Routes where the facility has been introduced include Route 881: CSIA Terminal 2 (International) to Backbay bus depot, Route 882: CSIA Terminal 2 (International) - Jalvayu Vihar Kharghar, and Route 884: CSIA Terminal 1A (Domestic) - Cadbury Junction Thane. The buses are fully air-conditioned, all electric and ply 24x7, every one hour, according to officials.
