Long-distance BEST buses to offer passengers more facilities
The proposals would be implemented once they are approved.
Mumbai: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) officials are pressing for a slew of steps that would attract more passengers to its long-distance hybrid electric buses introduced about a month back, an official says.
The proposals include the use of buses with Wi-Fi connectivity for passenger convenience, mobile phone charging points, and FM radio service as well as more halts, according to the source. The proposals would be implemented once they are approved.
The 25 hybrid electric air-conditioned buses that BEST launched about a month ago earned more than Rs 26, ferrying 1,03,733 passengers, statistics The Asian Age obtained show.
The bus on BKC-21 route (Bandra Railway Terminus-Diamond Market) that carried 69,329 passengers earned Rs 14,42,848 during the period from March 16 to April 19.
The circular route BKC-24 that runs clockwise from Sion station via BKC-MTNL, Dharavi ‘T’ Junction, Kala Nagar and Bandra Kurla Complex earned the least during the period — Rs 40,071 for carrying 1,913 passengers.
The official said the commuters on long routes like BKC-10, BKC-11, BKC-12 and BKC-13 want more halts. The officials have sent a proposal to introduce more halts on these routes to the headquarters for approval. Once it is approved, the additional bus stops will be announced.