BEST is planning to use its buses for ferrying schoolchildren from home to school and back. And city school principals feel there cannot be another better mode of transport.
BEST is planning to use its buses for ferrying schoolchildren from home to school and back. And city school principals feel there cannot be another better mode of transport.
“It is a wonderful proposition. We wouldn’t mind approaching the undertaking to chart out a plan for ferrying our children,” said Carl Laurie, principal of Christ Church School in Byculla. BEST buses were more reliable than private buses, he said. On January 28, three students were killed when the Maruti van they were travelling in burst into flames.
In view of the January 28 accident where three students were killed in a blast inside a Maruti van, BEST thought of extending its services to schools. “We intend to provide customer friendly services. Our buses are anytime safe and reliable,” said Sanjay Potnis, chairman of BEST committee.
The undertaking has more than 3,500 buses, of which almost 11 per cent remain unutilised. “These can be used. If schools approach us, we will definitely offer special services for children,” said Uttam Khobragade, BEST general manager. “Depending on the requirement of every school - the number of students and the area of residence – we can work out on a plan.”
The undertaking is not bothered if it would be a profitable proposition. “BEST was never run for profits. Since 1947 the undertaking has been operating its bus services at a loss. Money will never be a criterion,” said Potnis. He said the drivers and conductors would be extra vigilant to ensure students’ safety. “Although our conductors will not be able to drop the students at their doorstep, (as is done by conductors of private buses) safety and security will be our prime responsibility. Our staff will ensure that
students don’t face any problems.”
“Safety of school children is not assured by private operators either. Rash driving should not be entertained under any circumstance. We are confident that BEST buses would definitely be the best option available,” said Rekha Vijayakar, principal of Guru Harkrishan High School in Santa Cruz.
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