BEST plan: Remodel & reintroduce AC buses
Hopes of Mumbaikars for the return of AC buses operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking are dashed with the transport wing’s management planning to convert them into non-AC vehicles and reintroduced them on its routes.
BEST had pulled out the AC buses as part of its costcutting measure after it run into losses amounting to crores of rupees.
The transport wing of the city’s civic body is banking on the attractive design of the AC buses to lure more commuters and increase its fleet as well.
Under the plan, BEST decided that the King Long Air Conditioned (AC) buses should be converted into non-AC buses and induct them into its fleet. It will increase its current fleet of buses.
At least, 300 JCBL Ceritamodel buses which are popularly known as King Long buses, have been rotting at several bus depots in the city. The management of BEST has planned to convert more than 200 such buses into non-AC buses.
The parts including engines and gear-boxes of the Cerita buses are in good condition. The bodies are, however, worn out as they have corroded roof caused by leakages during the monsoon.
“The corrosion took place due to the humid conditions prevailing in the city. The plan is to remodel the body of these buses and ply them in the city. This will attract more passengers,” a BEST official said.
The cost of remodeling one King Long bus would be around Rs 5 lakh.
“We are planning to generate funds by auctioning at least 200 King Long buses. Funds generated from the auction will be used for restructuring the remaining buses,” the official revealed.
The final decision on converting the King Long buses into non-AC buses would be taken during the next BEST committee meeting to be scheduled within a fortnight.
Cerita buses were purchased in 2007-08 for at least Rs 63 lakh each. These buses faced issues which includes non-functional AC, breakdowns and requirement of heavy maintenance which added to the losses of BEST.
The King Long buses were completely scrapped from the BEST fleet during the last six months. The buses are expected to last at least 15 years. But due to lack of maintenance, these buses could be operated for only about six years.
The undertaking currently operates more than 3,800 buses on the city roads.