Mumbai's BEST Fleet Reaches 3,000 Buses Milestone

Key Highlights:

•    Mumbai's BEST fleet hits 3,000 buses milestone after 7-month low, plans to reach 3,500 soon.
•    Activists demand faster fleet expansion to 4,500 buses, and shorter wait times.
•    Mumbai Mobility Forum stresses timely delivery of electric AC buses for better service.

In a significant development for Mumbai's commuters, the BEST fleet has risen from its seven-month low to a total of 3,008 buses. A senior official stated that the company plans to boost the fleet size to 3,500 in the next three months to meet the demand of 35 lakh daily commuters who now have to wait in long lines for a bus during peak hours.

Despite this progress, activists and transport analysts are dissatisfied with the 3,000 figure. They petitioned the BEST, claiming that the fleet should be 4,500 buses as of now to accommodate the commuter rush.

A V Shenoy from the Mumbai Mobility Forum (MMF) emphasized the necessity of reducing wait times at bus stops to no more than seven minutes. Additionally, Shenoy stated that many orders for electric AC buses, including AC double deckers, were waiting and urged that contractors be penalized for any delays every month while being incentivized for timely deliveries.

The fleet fell below 3,000 last year for the first time in 15 years, resulting in an extreme lack of buses on the road and reducing frequency on congested routes. A BEST representative stated that as the fleet number gradually increases, there should be more buses and improved frequency.

Also Read: Jindal Stainless Partners with JBM Auto for Energy-Efficient Electric Buses

According to the most recent numbers, the BEST fleet consists of 1,099 buses driven by its drivers, with an additional 1,1909 buses on wet lease.

CMV360 Says

Mumbai's BEST fleet reaching 3,000 buses after a seven-month low is a positive step, but there's more to be done. Activists want faster expansion to 4,500 buses to ease long wait times for commuters. Additionally, the timely delivery of electric AC buses is stressed for better service and environmental sustainability. Collaboration is key to improving Mumbai's public transport for all.