Updates: Mumbai B.E.S.T. Smart Card

Starting from February 18th, there were some major changes in the fare structure for Mumbai's B.E.S.T. buses. One of the most major changes was to do away with the differences in the fares of limited and ordinary buses. Another impressive change was the fixed fare of Re. 1 (for any distance) for blind persons per journey. The information about the fare changes were pasted inside most buses.

A significant change in the passes available for the Smart Card fares were also brought in. A reduction in the Smart Card fares were announced. In addition, 3 types of bus passes were introduced:

• An all-city bus pass (from Colaba/Nairman Point to Mahim/Sion) - monthly Rs. 350
  
• An all-suburban bus pass (from Mahim/Sion to Bhayander/Thane/Airoli/Belapur) - monthly Rs. 450
  
• An all-route bus pass (anywhere within city or suburbs) - monthly Rs. 550

All these passes are available on a fortnightly / monthly / quarterly / yearly basis. They are valid for all non-AC routes in the mentioned zones.

Update (2008-July-20):
Information on how to use the "SmartCard" for suburban railway travel is in this post.