Mumbai: Although assembly elections concluded and BEST buses resumed full operations, the total number of operational buses remains inadequate. At numerous stops, passengers still face 30-minute waiting periods. The current fleet stands reduced to about 2,900 buses, while BEST anticipates the arrival of new electric AC buses.
Recent weeks brought considerable difficulties for passengers, initially stemming from contractors’ delayed deliveries causing poor frequency and extended waiting times, followed by the removal of 280 mini buses, and currently operating with a limited fleet of approximately 2,900 buses.
A senior BEST official acknowledged that notices were issued to contractors regarding expedited deliveries and delay penalties. “We are surprised that despite the notices issued two weeks back, there was no delivery of buses so far. If this continues, it will hamper our operations next month,” another official stated.
BEST currently faces a situation where its own fleet reduced to around 1,100 buses, with the remaining buses being contractual vehicles on wet lease.
The citizens’ group, Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST, recently submitted a petition to BEST, stating: “Affordable public transport is our basic right. Subsidise and operate BEST as part of the BMC budget. Public transport is an essential service, not a business. Discontinue contractor-operated buses and restore the BEST to a fully public fleet. Resume all discontinued bus routes. Increase the number of buses to at least 1 bus per 2,000 population, which means we need at least 6,000 buses.” The BEST also plans to introduce open deck double-decker tourist buses on Marine Drive and Fort area routes to address increased weekend and holiday demand.
Additionally, BEST General Manager Anil Diggikar obtained BMC approval for Rs 80 crore to provide a Diwali bonus. The organisation awaits the end of the ‘code of conduct’ to distribute the Diwali bonus to 27,000 staff members in the next few days.