Mumbai civic body asks BEST to discontinue some routes, union threatens strike

The Mumbai civic body’s suggestion comes at time when hundreds of BEST employees a threatening a strike, demanding better working conditions

Find out which routes have few riders and discontinue them, the BMC told BEST officials at a meeting with Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar this week.

At the meeting, BEST authorities also pointed out despite repeated requests, they get no help from traffic authorities to move autorickshaws, taxis and private vehicles parked near bus stops. (HT File Photo)

The BMC’s suggestion comes at time when hundreds of BEST employees are threatening a strike, demanding better working conditions.

Suhas Samant, BEST Committee member and the leader of the workers’ union, BEST Kamgar Sena, said, “A decision regarding the fate of the organisation needs to be taken .This is not fair for people working for them. We will go on strike if no decision is made on August 10 (the date of the next meeting) .”

The BEST Workers Union, which has the maximum number of employees, however is not considering a strike for now.

“We have started a hunger strike, but won’t go on a complete strike as it will affect commuters,’’ said Shashank Rao, its leader.

At the meeting, BEST authorities also pointed out despite repeated requests, they get no help from traffic authorities to move autorickshaws, taxis and private vehicles parked near bus stops.

Anil Kokil, BEST Committee Chairman, said, “Bus drivers and conductors ask the traffic department to remove vehicles that block bus stops, but there has been no positive development.”

Meanwhile, in a bid to increase the service’s popularity, BEST authorities have asked Marathi actors such as Prashant Damle, Avinash Narkar, Subodh Bhave and Adesh Bhandekar to become their brand ambassadors and help them attract more commuters.