Water is not the BEST way to stay clean

In a unique case of high-tech passenger amenities versus hygiene a rare order of the BEST administration has directed its staff and bus depots against thoroughly washing the interiors of all its new buses because high-tech equipment inside, like the fittings of LED route indicators, the CCTV cameras, FM radio sets, would get damaged by water.

The staff has been advised to mop up buses, but not to use water.

“The buses are fitted with electronic gadgets such as FM system, CCTV, GPS, electronic route and destination display units. All these electronic gadgets are susceptible to water and dampness, which results in malfunctioning,” the order stated.

“This not only results in loss of operational time of traffic staff, but also causes inconvenience to the passengers, which adversely affects the image of the BEST undertaking,” the order, addressed to depot managers, added.

The order further instructs staff not to undertake inside washing of the buses deployed at their respective depots; but to ensure cleanliness by sweeping and mopping only.

BEST spokesperson NA Walawalkar said that clean and hygienic buses will remain their priority. “The wirings and technical support systems of these high-tech gadgets are in the interiors of buses, and water would damage them,” he said.