Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) administration has intensified its crackdown on passengers travelling without tickets in its bus network. Between January and August 2024, authorities identified 2,142 free passengers, resulting in fines totalling Rs. 3,91,383.

With air-conditioned buses currently operating on all routes in Navi Mumbai, passengers are expected to purchase tickets. Those caught traveling without a ticket face a hefty fine of Rs. 300.

NMMT operates not only in Navi Mumbai but also in Thane, Mumbai, Kalyan, Dombivli, and Panvel. During peak hours, buses on these routes are often overcrowded, with many passengers opting to evade ticket checks by disembarking without paying as they reach their stops. This has led to significant financial losses for the NMMT.

To address this issue, the NMMT has deployed 35 ticket inspectors tasked with identifying and penalizing fare evaders. These inspectors are strategically positioned at crowded bus stops, even during nighttime. Previously, the agency had only two ticket checks, but the number has increased to five or six to deter passengers from traveling without tickets.

Statistics reveal a concerning trend over the past few years:

In 2021, ticket checks recorded 32,21,271 passengers, resulting in 4,237 fare evaders being fined a total of Rs. 5,72,663.

In 2022, action was taken against 10,738 free passengers, with fines amounting to Rs. 5,98,175.

In 2023, NMMT collected Rs. 6,31,114 in fines from 3,578 passengers traveling without tickets.