Mumbai’s BEST-owned bus fleet has dwindled to a record low of 333 vehicles, raising concerns about the future of public transport in the city. Union leaders warn that if nearly 50 buses continue to be phased out every month, the number of BEST-owned buses could reach zero by the end of this year or early next year, potentially impacting millions of daily commuters.
Workers’ union representatives recently met with the newly appointed General Manager of BEST Undertaking to highlight urgent issues concerning both employee welfare and the deteriorating state of Mumbai’s bus services. The delegation emphasised the need to maintain a minimum fleet strength of 3,337 buses, as agreed upon in a prior memorandum of understanding between management and the union, and urged the management to procure new buses under public ownership rather than relying predominantly on leased vehicles. According to the union, BEST’s bus fleet has seen a dramatic reduction over the past decade. In 2009, the city had 4,400 buses, but as of October 13, 2025, only 2,673 buses are operational. Of these, 87% (2,340) are leased, while just 13% (333) are owned by BEST. The decline has resulted in longer queues for commuters, reduced service reliability, and a rise in reported accidents.
The delegation also raised employee-related concerns, including parity in Diwali bonuses with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation staff, pending COVID-19 allowances, timely gratuity payments, finalisation of wage agreements, and equal pay for equal work for contractual employees. Another key demand was the merger of BEST’s budget with BMC’s main budget to ensure financial stability and effective planning. Management responded by assuring employees that the Diwali bonus would be aligned with BMC standards and committed to resolving other pending matters through structured dialogue and timely action. Officials stressed the importance of balancing workforce welfare with fleet modernisation plans, including the introduction of electric buses to promote sustainable, low-emission transport in Mumbai.
Experts note that maintaining a robust, publicly owned bus fleet is critical for equitable urban mobility, particularly as the city pursues sustainable and eco-friendly transport solutions. With commuter demand rising and the city’s carbon footprint under scrutiny, the management’s decisions over fleet expansion and employee welfare will have far-reaching implications for Mumbai’s public transport ecosystem.
Mumbai BEST-Owned Bus Fleet Drops To 333 Vehicles Union Raises Urgent Alarm
