Save BEST Buses Campaign Gains Momentum: Mumbaikars Unite To Preserve Their Lifeline

The state government and the municipal corporation are facing increasing pressure as Mumbaikars come together to save their BEST bus service. Travel associations, social organisations, and other dedicated groups have initiated a campaign to rescue the ailing bus service. Currently, only 33 per cent of BEST's fleet consists of self-owned buses, a concerning statistic that has mobilized the community into action.

Starting this week, QR codes will be installed at every station, enabling commuters to submit their suggestions, advice, and ideas. Shashank Rao, General Secretary of the BEST Workers' Union, announced that these contributions will be used to formulate a comprehensive plan for the BEST rescue campaign.

This initiative is critical, as BEST transports approximately 3.1 million passengers daily and is considered the backbone of Mumbai's public transport system. The first meeting regarding this campaign took place in Goregaon, setting the stage for further action.

The Current State Of BEST's Fleet

A total of 3,337 buses are required for the smooth operation of BEST services, but only 1,085 of these are owned by BEST. Of these, 761 buses are scheduled to be scrapped by March 31, 2025, which will further reduce the fleet size. To address this shortfall, there is an urgent need to purchase new buses and phase them into service, requiring substantial financial investment.

Concerns Over Private Buses

Private buses, which supplement the BEST fleet, often lack regular maintenance and repair, leading to frequent technical failures and delays. Advocacy groups argue that increasing the number of BEST-owned buses is crucial for reliable service.

Key Statistics

Every day, BEST buses serve 3.1 million passengers. Currently, BEST owns 1,085 buses. However, by March 31, 2025, 761 of these buses are scheduled to be scrapped.

Lack Of Government Efforts

Despite BEST's financial struggles over the past six years, no significant initiatives have been taken by the state government or municipal administration to revive the service. Rao emphasized that the core objective of BEST is to provide quality and affordable services to Mumbaikars, a mission that has been overshadowed by administrative neglect.

Call To Action

The reliability of private buses in the BEST fleet has been a point of concern due to technical issues and inconsistent service. To ensure better service for passengers, expanding the fleet of BEST-owned buses is essential.

The "Best Bachao" campaign, spearheaded by various travel and social organizations, aims to raise awareness and put pressure on the municipality and the government to take action.