BEST bus stops to get a facelift

Over 6k bus stops to be revamped, plans to invite tenders for the job

Mumbai is all set to get sturdier, new designed BEST bus stops.

The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) are looking to introduce new bus stops to replace 3,000 old ones. They also plan to remove existing bus poles with new bus stands. This comes when there are cases of encroachment on bus stops, plus metal plates of these stops being stolen.

The body is currently working on inviting tenders for the same and are likely to go for fresh designs.

“We are looking at introducing new bus stands for these stops for which tenders will be called soon. We will also be replacing the bus stop poles wherever possible,” said a BEST official on condition of anonymity.

There are around 6,000 bus stops across the city, including 800-1000 bus stop poles.

The officials said that at least half, i.e. 3,000 bus stops and 400-500 bus poles, would be replaced in the coming days.

After rationalising bus routes, there have been several locations across the city where bus routes have either been curtailed or halts don’t happen at such stops.

The officials agreed that there are bus stops that also get encroached. They have also found cases where metal alloys of these bus stops are stolen after cutting them.

The authorities claim that they are urging people to send pictures of such bus stops that have seen pilferage so that action can be taken against culprits.

Meanwhile, the BEST Undertaking is also working on the real-time location of buses for which bus stops too will be fitted with gadgets that will decipher the GPS of buses and provide details.

It is working on a mobile app to help passengers track the buses.

We are looking at introducing new bus stands for these stops for which tenders will be called soon. We will also be replacing the bus stop poles wherever possible

– BEST OFFICIAL on condition of anonymity