Extra BEST buses come to aid of commuters

Even as Mumbaikars seethed at autos parked in hundreds on the road, it was the BEST buses that turned out to be a saviour for many who were struggling to commute on Wednesday. In fact, commuters who saw the undertaking, at its efficient best claimed that the frequency of the buses was quick with the clutter-free road.

According to BEST officials, till 4pm they had run 123 extra buses even as the regular scheduled 3,500 buses were already on the road.

BEST General Manager Jagdish Patil said that one of the biggest issues with operations was the unauthorised stands and pick-up places of rickshaws and taxis. As these are generally close to railway stations and junctions, BEST buses tend to get caught in the crowding these rickshaws create. "With clear roads on Wednesday, we managed to operate routes at lower times than usual. This meant that we were able to run more trips. We also deployed extra buses in several feeder routes," he said emphasising that BEST can be a very efficient mode of public transport if it is given the road space that it requires and deserves.

A senior BEST official claimed that several bus drivers reported to their depot manager that they were able to drive in a less stressful manner with no autos on road. "We are sure that the revenue generated on Wednesday, which will be tabulated late night, would be much higher compared to the regular day," he said adding that this again proves that how dedicated and demarcated lanes for buses on several routes could prove to be a game changer for BEST but unfortunately no one was bothered.

BEST undertaking ensured that the feeder routes where several colonies are located and people travel towards station have more frequent bus services.

Borivli resident Jayesh Patel, who took a bus from Gorai to Borivli station, claimed that he was amazed as he reached quickly. "With no auto, there was no snarl on roads and buses were able to move quicker. Also, there were more buses operating and hence people who wanted to reach the station did not face a lot of trouble," he said.

Binesh More, an Andheri resident who took a bus from Yari Road to Andheri station, said that while he always criticised the BEST for not being punctual and efficient, on Wednesday he understood the real reasons. "It should be the number of buses that needs to be increased in the city and not autos as demanded by unions and planned by some politicians as it's evident that more autos would create more chaos," said More.