BEST STRIKE: STATE MUST INTERVENE, LISTEN TO COMMUTERS

It is surprising that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray’s intervention failed to resolve the ongoing BEST strike crisis (Uddhav intervention fails, BEST buses stay off roads, January 11). Despite the state invoking MESMA, the BEST staff has put its foot down. Taxis and autos had a field day by fleecing unsuspecting commuters. Some time ago, eminent citizens had suggested to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Chief Ajoy Mehta ways to revive the iconic buses. It is now high time that CM Devendra Fadnavis intervene and find a way to resolve the issue amicably.

DEEPAK CHIKRAMANE

II

The Mumbai Mobility Forum, a citizens’ group, has appealed to the state and the BMC to intervene and end the ongoing BEST strike (End strike, make BEST better, citizens tell Fadnavis, Uddhav, January 11). The forum has come out with a lot of suggestions to revive BEST’S ridership of 44 lakhs passengers per day. The state and BMC need to listen to their voices and end the strike without remaining mute spectators.

V S IYER

BMC’S FOOTPATH POLICY WELCOME

BMC’S plan to formulate a footpath policy is a good move (In a first, civic body lays down a footpath policy, January 11). Along with repaired or newly-laid footpaths, BMC should ensure that they are free for pedestrian use and not occupied by the vendors or other small shops. Moreover, care should be taken to see that no vehicles are parked on the footpath.

ANIL R TORNE