The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) is set to introduce a significant overhaul to its bus network in 2025, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing passenger wait times, and better aligning with the operations of the newly expanded Mumbai Metro system.
The changes will impact 1,241 bus trips across 32 routes, promising to make daily commutes more convenient for the millions of Mumbaikars who depend on public transport. This ambitious move is part of BEST’s route rationalisation plan and comes ahead of the second phase of the Mumbai Metro 3 Line, which is scheduled to open in the coming months. The changes are expected to reduce the average passenger wait time by up to 15 minutes, a vital improvement in a city notorious for its traffic congestion and lengthy commutes.
In the newly proposed route structure, 13 routes will see an expansion of 464 trips, six will be rerouted with a reduction of 264 trips, and three will be extended by 78 trips. Additionally, 10 routes will be curtailed, amounting to a reduction of 435 trips. This reshaping of services is designed to enhance last-mile connectivity and improve integration with Mumbai Metro’s corridors, which are fast becoming an integral part of the city’s transport infrastructure. With more than 30 lakh passengers relying on the BEST service daily, the system is a vital cog in Mumbai’s public transport network. Despite facing mounting financial challenges, including a significant decrease in revenues over the past two years, BEST’s management is optimistic that the route changes will enhance the overall efficiency of the service while addressing passenger demands.
The expanded services will include 29 new buses for 17 routes in Phase II and 50 additional buses for 30 routes in Phase III. These buses will operate on routes where demand is expected to increase, especially during peak hours, to ensure that commuters are not left waiting for extended periods. The revamped routes will also feature a ring-route design, linking metro stations with suburban rail hubs and commercial districts across Mumbai. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently conducted a review of BEST’s financial health, highlighting the challenges the organisation faces. With a fleet of about 2,800 buses, down from 4,500 a decade ago, BEST has been struggling with operational costs and declining revenues. However, these route optimisations are part of a larger effort to reduce operational inefficiencies and create a more seamless public transport experience that integrates both buses and metros.
The changes will also align with the broader vision for Mumbai’s urban mobility, which is increasingly focusing on sustainable and equitable solutions. As the city’s population continues to grow and its infrastructure evolves, it is crucial that public transport systems keep pace with demand while also maintaining sustainability goals. The increased efficiency of the revamped bus routes should lead to more eco-friendly outcomes, reducing the reliance on private vehicles and alleviating road congestion. For commuters, the new bus schedules will mean faster, more reliable services, especially for those relying on buses to connect to the expanding metro network. As the metro becomes a more prominent part of the city’s transport infrastructure, it is vital that BEST’s services complement this growth, providing efficient feeder services and enhancing the overall mobility of Mumbai’s residents.
While the revamped routes and increased bus fleet promise improvements, BEST also faces challenges in maintaining its financial health. The regional transport authority and the Mumbai civic body have already approved a planned fare hike, which is expected to further affect passenger costs. This, however, is part of a broader strategy to sustain operations, and BEST officials maintain that these adjustments are necessary for long-term viability. As Mumbai continues to grow, the revamping of public transport systems like BEST and the metro will be critical to the city’s future sustainability. With the proposed changes set to reduce waiting times and improve accessibility, commuters can look forward to a more efficient, reliable, and integrated public transport system.
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