MUMBAI: The Mumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses are grappling with a severe overcrowding issue, as recent data reveals that passenger numbers have surged beyond 1,000 riders per bus daily during the 2023-24 period.
This intense demand is causing discomfort for commuters, who are often crammed into buses, turning their daily journeys into an unpleasant ordeal. The root of this problem lies in the drastic reduction of BEST’s own fleet over the past decade. The number of buses operated directly by BEST has plummeted by 76%, from 4,385 in 2010-11 to a mere 1,070 today. This substantial cutback has led to an increased reliance on a contractual fleet, which includes approximately 2,000 buses managed by private operators.
This dependency on external providers has further exacerbated the issue, leaving BEST vulnerable to the whims of these contractors. Transport experts attribute the overcrowding to several factors. The increase in passengers per bus is matched by a stark decline in the proportion of buses within overall traffic—currently just 1%. There is growing frustration among commuters over the unreliability of services, with concerns about inconsistent bus arrivals and delays impacting their daily routines.
Citizen groups and activists are now mobilising to address this crisis. Vidyadhar Date, convener of Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST, along with other advocates, plans to petition the government for increased investment in BEST’s own bus fleet. They are also calling on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to revise its budget to allocate more funds for BEST.
BEST officials have promised a significant boost in their fleet, with plans to introduce 1,000 single-decker AC electric buses and 200 double-decker AC electric buses by the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year. However, commuters have expressed nostalgia for the old non-AC double-decker buses, which were seen as more accessible for the lower-middle class.
General Manager Anil Diggikar assured that additional buses would be brought in soon to improve frequency and reduce wait times. The plan includes the deployment of 150 new e-buses each month, with an anticipated fleet increase of 600 buses by Diwali. Activists, however, argue that this is insufficient and are pushing for a fleet expansion to around 6,000 buses by early next year. They also advocate for a financial infusion of at least INR 2,000 crore from the BMC to support BEST’s revival.
BMC officials stated that adequate funding is being provided according to the civic budget. However, there are calls from bus enthusiasts and mobility forums for a higher priority on funding for BEST, even above other major projects like the Metro. The urgent need for new buses and the reinstatement of discontinued routes remains a critical concern. On August 15, AMAB launched a multifaceted approach to tackle the issue, including a citizen feedback initiative, public meetings, and fact-finding missions on depot redevelopment.
