SPEAK UP: Mumbaikars for meeting demands of BEST unions

The ongoing BEST bus strike that began on January 8 has only grown stronger following the threatening tactics that the administration resorted to by dismissing the BEST employees and evicting staff quarters. 

The BEST has been in loss since over two years now. Due to this, its employees have not been given a hike in salary since April 2016. If granted, the hike would mean an additional burden of Rs 900 crore on the Undertaking, which has already drowned in loss amounting to Rs 2,500 crore. On the other hand, increasing traffic jams have pulled down the speed of the buses to 8-10 kmph, which is why the number of takers for the bus service has dropped to 27 lakh. 

But, it is safe to say that the strike has set a precedent for the working class for how to raise their demands even in the face blatant administrative resistance and ignorance. But, among the hue and cry about the strike, what is the Mumbaikar’s stand? DNA asks citizens about what the BEST can do to revive its lost glory.

VOICES

It is sad that BEST employees are not getting their salary. The BMC and the state  were aware of the problem, yet they did nothing. We all know that strikes do not affect politicians. Both, the BMC and the state failed to handle the issue and showed no humanity for BEST employees.
— Nisha S, Byculla resident

Everything needs an upgrade after a point. BEST was stunning once upon a time. But now the buses look outdated. In this age, I am surprised that we don’t have a lot of facilities to book our tickets online. BEST needs to understand the importance of changing with time. 
— Suhas Chatkara, Andheri resident

The BEST is the second largest body which provides transport facilities on various destinations at low cost. The way to restore BEST glory is by updating infrastructure of the transport services. Also, this body should be managed by Private sector so that it ensures the smooth and efficient functioning of the transport facilities in the city. The salary of the workers should be given and they must get a hike in it which will assure the staff to work in progress.
— Aishwariya Bane, Dahisar resident   

“All these years we have not paid to the BEST just to take the toll of the ongoing strike on ourselves for no reason. The BEST administration, the municipal authorities and the government officials need to come to a consensus so that the ordinary man does not suffer. Instead more buses should ply on road and some backup arrangements should have been made so that roads are free from vehicular congestion and also regular bus commuters don’t spend more than they could afford.”
— Mukund Rathod, Andheri resident 
 
BEST is the only option when it comes to cheap mode of transport after local trains. For now, the administration should ensure that the strike ends. Frequency of buses should be increased on routes where regular commuting is observed. I’m sure if buses are more frequent and timely, common people would prefer to travel in buses than other expensive modes of transport. 
— Ravi Vyas, 50, Bhayander resident

Mumbaikars are usually rushing. BEST was a very good option during its days of yore for this purpose. Now there is too much traffic, which is why bus consumes time. The BMC should resolve this and make the service punctual. BEST still has a very good network and has the required fleet. From my point of view, they have to just get a few things. The BMC should help with funds for the BEST to revive. Ultimately the money will be used for public good. 
— Savio Joseph, Navi Mumbai resident

First of all, the fare needs to be cut short for the short distance journeys. There should be more on-time buses at peak hours. BEST should take responsibility if any accident/casualty takes place during transit. BEST can also start new buses, resume old route buses for longer distance as they were there before. BEST is regular transport for Mumbaikar like train so we need it back on track.
— Snehal Roge, Mulund resident

Rationalising the size of buses from large to midi and mini along with doubling the fleet size is crucial. Frequency should also be increased. Apart from this there should be no outsourcing of buses or staff and there should be continuous feeder service of mini buses to and from suburban and metro stations. Also it has to be ensured that all drivers follow traffic rules and take pride in working for BEST
— Jagdeep Desai, Andheri resident

EXPERT SPEAK

A bus priority lane will achieve the buses to maintain good speed. A pilot run at BKC two years back proved that the time between two ends was reduced to 15 minutes from 37 minutes. Over 120 buses ran per hour which also included private buses on this route thus providing two buses per minute. It proves that in Mumbai, we can run buses at a frequency of 40 seconds to 1.5 minutes without any difficulty. This can bring back focus on BEST as vital public transport.
— Ashok Datar, chairman, Mumbai Environment Sustainability Network

Unless the government takes efforts in keeping welfare of employees, there will be unrest. This will only lead to issues in running a good public transport, and this will dissuade people. The government needs to fund the BEST the same way other Undertakings are dealt across India. Which is why the merger of budgets is important.
— Subhash Gupta, transport expert