Flying squads to monitor BEST buses

With the city on high alert, BEST is putting its own measures in place to secure the 40 lakh passengers that use its buses every day. Prajakta Chavan Rane reports.

With the city on high alert, BEST is putting its own measures in place to secure the 40 lakh passengers that use its buses every day.

HT Image

The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has deployed flying squads to conduct random checks on buses, as well as at bus stops and depots. These squads - 10 in total - will be equipped with hand-held metal detectors, and have been given the power to scrutinise the baggage of anyone they find suspicious.

"The checks will be conducted in interest of passenger safety. A team of two officials will conduct the random checks. Commuters should call our help line number (1800227550) if they find anything suspicious on a bus," said Virendra Bagul, public relations officer, BEST.

In addition to this, staff at BEST's 25 depots across the city is being directed to thoroughly check the bus before it is parked at night. Onboard staff have also been asked not to leave buses unattended. "Drivers and conductors can't both leave a bus until their substitutes take over," added Bagul.

The undertaking claims to have expedited the installation of CCTV cameras on the buses as well.