The plan, however, is in early stages and a decision on whether WiFi and on-board entertainment features could be provided free of cost or are to be charged will be ascertained only in the coming months.
Soon, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) buses may have WiFi for those on the move. Also, a mobile application to track your BEST bus.
There are plans with the BEST to equip each of its buses with WiFi and on board entertainment. "An Expression of Interest has been floated to invite proposals from private players," said Jagdish Patil, general manager of BEST.
The public buses are already equipped with GPS (global positioning system), which will help in tracking the buses so that passengers get to know status of their buses.
The private vendor is supposed to provide these facilities to the Mumbaikars for which the undertaking will earn revenue. Authorities will permit telecast of digital advertisements on your phones and part of the revenue will have to be shared with the BEST.
The plan, however, is in early stages and a decision on whether WiFi and on-board entertainment features could be provided free of cost or are to be charged will be ascertained only in the coming months.
"Possibly by August, BEST will also launch its own mobile app. The application is almost ready with finishing touches being given to it," added Patil.
The BEST has extended the contract of the existing vendor on the condition that it pulls up its sock and fixes problems with GPS, tracking system and closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras. While several of the BEST buses don't have CCTV cameras, most of the installed ones are non-functional, thereby defeating the purpose of safety and surveillance.
In the past, BEST had a mobile application for its air-conditioned services. Also, the overall content, design and user interface of the mobile app looked amateurish and unprofessional.
The undertaking, that is in red, is struggling to attract commuters and its overall ridership continues to dip. It hopes to regain some lost ground by upgrading its facilities and providing passenger-friendly measures.
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