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Public transportation is an essential component of any city’s infrastructure. In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) initiative has taken a bold step towards modernizing its services by introducing digital fare collection. This initiative will not only benefit the passengers but also streamline the bus service.
Digital Fare Collection System
The BEST initiative now allows passengers to pay their fares digitally using the ‘BEST Chalo App’ or ‘BEST Chalo Smartcard’. This means that passengers can now pay their fares using their mobile phones or by using the smart card. With the new digital payment system, passengers will no longer have to worry about not having exact change.
Priority Entry for Smart Passengers
Passengers who use digital media to pay their fares will now have priority entry into BEST buses. This means that they will be given first entry at the starting bus stop. The aim of this initiative is to encourage more passengers to use the digital mode of payment and to promote a cashless economy.
Inconvenience for Non-Digital Passengers
However, there are concerns among passengers who do not use digital media. They fear that they will be inconvenienced by this new initiative and that they will be given secondary treatment by the BEST. This is a valid concern, and it is up to the BEST initiative to ensure that these passengers are not left behind in the process of modernization.
Additional Facilities for Smart Passengers
To encourage more passengers to use the digital mode of payment, the BEST initiative has introduced additional facilities. Passengers can now recharge their ‘BEST Chalo Smartcard’ from the bus carrier. This initiative will simplify the process of digital payments for passengers.
Appeal to Passengers
The BEST initiative is encouraging passengers to make the most of their digital facilities, including the ‘Best Chalo App’ and ‘Best Chalo Smart Card’.The aim of this initiative is to promote a cashless economy and to make the public transportation system more efficient.
This initiative will not only benefit the passengers but also streamline the bus service. However, it is important to ensure that passengers who do not use digital media are not left behind in the process of modernization. It is up to the BEST initiative to ensure that all passengers are given equal treatment and that the public transportation system is accessible to everyone.