Passenger response increases

The reduction in bus fares on the NMMT Atal Setu route has led to a significant increase in passenger response. The Atal Setu, which opened to the public in January, was initially limited to four-wheeled vehicles. However, with the introduction of bus services, there was a sparse response from passengers. In an effort to attract more passengers, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) Department decided to reduce the ticket prices, resulting in a noticeable surge in ridership.

The Atal Setu, part of the much-awaited Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project, has drastically reduced travel time between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Raigad, making the commute just 20 minutes. This bridge provides a direct route to Mumbai, improving connectivity between cities.

The NMMT introduced air-conditioned bus services from September 12, with bus number 116 operating between Atal Setu and Mantralaya, and bus number 117 connecting Atal Setu to Nerul. Initially, the fare for bus number 116 was Rs. 230, and for bus number 117, it was Rs. 270. However, due to the high fares, passenger response remained low.

On December 2, the NMMT reduced the fares, bringing down the price from Rs. 270 to Rs. 120 for the Mantralaya to Jalvayu Vihar route, and from Rs. 230 to Rs. 105 for the Mantralaya to Nerul route. This price reduction has had a positive impact on ridership. Bus number 116, which had only 17 passengers previously, now accommodates 58 passengers. Similarly, bus number 117, which had 21 passengers earlier, now carries 65 passengers.