Buses go off roads, students hit hard

Mumbai: Since BEST buses were off the roads since early morning Tuesday, school and college going students found it hard to reach their destination. Meanwhile, the University of Mumbai, in a relief for students appearing for examinations, asked all colleges to let students enter the exam hall and attempt the exam even if they were late.

The buses run under the School Bus Owners’ Association (SBOA) functioned as usual. “There were no problems for or from our buses. They ran as usual and the students too, didn't experience any kind of inconvenience due to the bus strike,” an office bearer from School Bus Owners’ Association told this newspaper.

However, students who travelled in regular buses to and from schools had to either use personal vehicles or other modes of transport like taxis, auto rickshaws, etc. “Usually, my daughter travels by BEST bus which drops her right in front of her school. However, given the strike, we thought we will make her skip the school but she had some important project to submit so I had to take a half day to drop her to school. My husband came early to pick her back from school,” said Meera Panicker, a resident from Mulund.

Similarly, in schools run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), there was a large number of absentees as students who had free BEST bus passes did not attend school.

On Monday, the Mumbai University and its affiliated colleges had 17 examinations ongoing. All said examinations were conducted in two phases i.e. from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

Students who reached the examination hall late were allowed to enter and give the exam as the varsity issued an emergency circular to all colleges to give them consideration given the bus strike.