NNMT gains from BEST's plan to discontinue AC bus services

The Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply and transport (BEST) buses is gradually discontinuing its air-conditioned routes due to a poor response from commuters. This has proved to be a boon for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT), which is gaining popularity for its new fleet of buses.

Air-conditioned bus route AS 503 which runs between Wadala and Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai will be discontinued this month onwards as per a BEST press release.

China-made kinglong buses are running on Wadala - Kalamboli route, which often sees breakdowns en route due to poor maintenance. These are few reasons which have made it unpopular among daily commuters, and the reason for them to switch over to NMMT buses.

BEST is still running same old China-make air conditioned buses, whereas NMMT has procured latest Volvo buses.

Passengers are happy to commute by NMMT buses because their fare is cheaper then BEST buses, it is also very well-maintained, punctuality and rarely faces breakdowns.

The fare factor is also important for passengers which saves money if commuters travels by NMMT buses. Forthcoming fare hike in BEST would further see a declining trend. It is a need of the hour to improve upon for BEST to survival.

A senior official from BEST said, "Once upon a time people use to swear by BEST buses for its promptness and rare breakdowns."

The most popular NMMT bus routes which ply between Mumbai and suburban are 105- Bandra to CBD Belapur, 121- Tardeo to Ghansoli, 108 - Mantralaya to Nerul and 123 and 125- Borivali to Kharghar Jalvayu Vihar. All these buses are running in complete profit.

Devendra Amberkar - Congressmen an opposition leader said " As it is BEST is incurring heavy losses for last couple of years due to mismanagement. Discontinuing any route is not the solution it would further push BEST in red, not in colour but financially. The BEST committee and administration should come out with solutions like proper maintenance, competitive fares, procuring new air conditioned fleet for passengers satisfaction. If these things come in to existence then no passengers would change their loyalty towards BEST ".

Hanumant Gophane - PRO BEST said " Due to poor response from commuters AS 503 would be discontinued from services".

Dr Mahender Singh Churiana - Global transport expert said " The public transport is a backbone of every civic administration around the world. It is looked after and maintained well in larger public interest. The transport management is manned by technical experts which make sure of its trouble free smooth ride and punctuality. The BEST is one of the finest public transport in India but currently it is ignored by administration and commitee for reasons best