No new BEST service made profit in last five years

Not a single route or new service introduced by the BEST made a profit in the last five years, according to the data provided by BEST in response to the RTI filed by DNA. The BEST had introduced 18 services after 2013 and re-introduced some discontinued services or added buses to some 16 other routes. Loss from the new services/routes or those that were re-introduced stood at Rs 52.75 crore collectively for the past five years.

However, all the routes were under losses. The highest loss was from route number 458L between Malad Depot to Teen Hath Naka. The service was introduced in August 2014 and has incurred a total loss of Rs 5.14 crores for the past five years.

"Most routes make loss because the new routes are run on whims and fancies of corporators. There is no scientific study done. Most of the services are not well thought or planned. Also, the BEST service should not be looked at with profit motive. It is the job of the corporation or BEST to provide connectivity. 

Mandatory bus services should be provided to schools, colleges and hospitals and from stations and prominent points," said Kedar Hombalkar, former BEST committee member.