The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) fleet in Mumbai has marked a significant milestone by surpassing the 3,000-bus mark after a prolonged period of decline. With the addition of new buses, the fleet now stands at 3,008 buses, providing a much-needed boost to the city’s public transportation system. A senior official revealed that the undertaking is poised to further expand the fleet to 3,500 buses within the next three months. This strategic move is aimed at addressing the escalating demand from the city’s 35 lakh daily commuters, many of whom experience long wait times during peak hours due to overcrowding and limited bus availability.
Last year, the fleet size dipped below 3,000 for the first time in 15 years, resulting in a severe shortage of buses and reduced frequency on critical routes. With the gradual increase in fleet size, authorities anticipate improved service reliability and enhanced frequency, alleviating the challenges faced by commuters. However activists and transport analysts are not happy with the 3,000-mark. They petitioned the BEST on Wednesday, saying the fleet should be at 4,500 buses as on date to cater to commuter rush. “Also, the wait time at bus stops should not be more than seven minutes,” said A V Shenoy from Mumbai Mobility Forum (MMF), a think tank. He further said that a lot of orders for electric AC buses were pending, including the AC double deckers and demanded that contractors should be penalised for any delay every month while at the same time incentivised for early deliveries. As per the latest figures, the BEST fleet comprises 1,099 own buses operated by its own drivers, while ,1909 buses are running on wet lease.
