SCRAP MMRTA DECISIONS: BEST WRITES TO CM

MUMBAI: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking chairperson Mohan Mithbaokar recently wrote to chief minister Devendra Fadanvis seeking cancellation of the two controversial decisions taken by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) during a meet with the state transport secretory in July.

In the first meeting chaired by transport secretary Sudhir Shrivastav, the MMRTA permitted private air-conditioned buses to ply on Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) routes, on which public transport buses are operated by the civic bodies, and free entry to all contract carriage buses on a single permit across the region. Both the decisions were taken during the meeting held on July 8. But the decisions have been rebuked by BEST committee members. Moreover, Shiv Sena members even threatened a strike if the undertaking failed to counter the decisions.

Mithbaokar said the MMRTA took the decisions despite opposition and concerns raised by the BEST, adding that the transport authority had sought suggestions from various public transport bodies, including Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).

In the letter, he raised doubts over MMRTA’S intentions and claimed the decisions were taken following a demand made by the Borivali-based Mumbai Bus Owner’s Association. Mithbaokar strongly objected to the MMRTA’S remark that the BEST has failed to provide an alternative to the increasing number of private vehicles. He also mocked the argument in support of the decision that daily 1,226 new vehicles were added to the city streets, but the roads weren’t enough to accommodate them.

According to the BEST Committee chairperson, the undertaking is trying to improve its services in Mumbai and neighbouring cities. Moreover, on suggestion of the transport commissioner, it has started new air-conditioned and ordinary bus routes.