BEST changes bus pattern for Sundays and holidays

MUMBAI:

The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST), the civic transport body of Mumbai, has decided to design a new pattern for the operations of its buses on Sundays and holidays. At present, only 60% of buses are operated on Sundays.

On Sundays and holidays, 40% taxis and rickshaws also stay off the road resulting in last mile connectivity problems for private sector workers. “After analysing the current traffic pattern of the city, we decided to redesign our Sunday and holiday pattern of bus operation," said Lokesh Chandra, general manager of BEST, adding that the new pattern will be applicable from the month of April.

"Under the new pattern, we will try to operate over 80% of buses on Sundays and holidays," said Chandra.

At present, over 3,600 buses are being daily operated by BEST in the city which being used by more than 35 lakh passengers during weekdays.

When contacted A L Quadros, General Secretary of Mumbai Taximen's Union, he said, Especially in the first, half demand of taxis are comparatively less than weekdays, hence nearly 40% of taxis stay off the road because drivers also need rest at least one day in week.” According to Quadros, currently around 25,000 taxis are running on the road, out of this nearly 40% stay off the road on Sunday.

Kamal Mishra

Head of Malwani-Charkop Residents Forum says the area is one of the most congested in the city and boarding point will solve several problems in a go metro stations is one of the most congested of Dr Kabra, are planning to make a and polluted pockets in the city. formal representation to MMMOCL in

He said a boarding point or a mini the coming days. Dr Kabra said, “We station at the car shed, without entering have sent an email and are awaiting the actual premises, would help their response. A group will also meet hundreds of people living in Malwani, the authorities to press for the demand, Kharodi, Jankalyan Nagar, Ganesh which would be really beneficial Nagar, Bhoomi Park, Marve. “Commuters as the population of the MalwaniCharkop can just walk to the boarding area is growing at a rapid point without having to take a bus or pace.” an auto rickshaw as traffic congestion Dr Kabra said more than 5,000 people is primarily due to the hundreds of from the area commute to Andheri autos,” he said. West, Oshiwara as well as Borivali and

The residents, under the guidance Dahisar on the down line each day.

The residents from Malwani (Malad) and Charkop (Kandivali) have demanded a metro station at the Charkop car shed. On behalf of the residents, Dr Pranav Kabra has written to the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL).

Dr Kabra, who is the head of the Malwani-Charkop Residents Forum, said that the area around Mith Chowky as well Hindustan Naka