BEST may alter routes to match Metro, monorail

BEST bus routes are set for a change, according to BEST committee chairman Nana Ambole, who recently said that he would be focusing on restructuring and expanding its bus routes with the completion of the city’s metro and monorail projects later this year.

BEST bus routes are set for a change, according to BEST committee chairman Nana Ambole, who recently said that he would be focusing on restructuring and expanding its bus routes with the completion of the city’s metro and monorail projects later this year.

Ambole, a Shiv Sena corporator, who was recently elected the new chairman of the BEST committee, said the bus transport service could face competition from the upcoming Metro and Monorail services.

“Considering the limitations of the BEST bus network and challenges from the Metro and Monorail, there is a need to expand the bus network,” said Ambole.

To be better equipped for the competition, Ambole said he would try to introduce good-quality air-conditioned buses to attract more passengers. To increase frequency, BEST will operate at least 95% of the bus fleet during the peak hours against the prevailing 87%, he added.

The new chairman also floated the idea of celebrating BEST ‘Pravasi Day’ every year. “The idea behind celebrating the bus day is to highlight the importance of BEST buses in Mumbaiites’ lives. To add glamour to the initiative, we will be involving people from the corporate, entertainment and other sectors,” said Ambole.

In response to commuters’ complaints about the nature of existing bus stops, Ambole said that he would try to make the bus stops more passenger-friendly.

Ambole said steps would be taken to improve relations with BEST employees along with focusing on providing good services to BEST’s bus and electricity consumers.

Ambole assured that he would address the major concerns of BEST’s electricity consumers in the city. He assured that electricity bills would be accurate and delivered on time.

“Priority will be given to expand and strengthen electricity network too, in order to maintain uninterrupted power supply in city,” he said.