Rising vehicles, bad roads, irate motorists another bane for BEST

It is not just their restrooms or allied infrastructure that is in poor condition, at times even lacking, the roads, traffic and motorists of Mumbai too don't favour BEST drivers-conductors.

"The number of vehicles on city roads has increased manifold, resulting in traffic congestion. This not only delays the buses but also adds to the drivers' frustration," said a BEST official. This is a completely 'lose-lose' situation for everyone — BEST staff, commuters and BEST organisation (because of financial burden out of fuel and maintenance of the fleet).

To add to all this, during monsoon, potholes are yet another nightmare for the drivers. "They cannot avoid any road and take a detour, where the road condition is better, because they are supposed to ply on a particular route," said another official.

Then, there are restless motorists, including bikers, who are irresponsible drivers, who either have complete disregard for traffic rules, and, in fact, vent their anger on the drivers. The official, however, admitted, "It's not as if all our drivers are clean and do not err. On Saturday, a BEST driver was caught driving drunken."

Whereas for conductors, they face the ire, including fist fights and abuses from passengers over tendering change to ringing the bell before the last commuter boards the bus at the stop.

A bus conductor from Oshiwara depot said, "Why don't you serve in my place only for a day to understand our working condition? That will give you answers for all your queries."