The forum warned that increasing privatisation, workforce reductions and the depletion of BEST’s self-owned fleet threaten the utility’s public-service mandate.
The group questioned the move towards 100% contractual operations, including outsourced electric buses, staff and fare ticketing. The forum warned that increasing privatisation, workforce reductions and the depletion of BEST’s self-owned fleet threaten the utility’s public-service mandate. the organisation stressed that clean transport should not come at the expense of fleet ownership, staff stability and farebox revenue control While endorsing eco-friendly electric mobility.
MUMBAI: Raising concerns over the deteriorating state of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, citizens’ action group ‘Aapli BEST Aplyach Sathi’ on Thursday called for urgent systemic reforms to preserve Mumbai’s public transport network.
It also demanded complete transparency regarding the planned commercial redevelopment of 22 bus depots. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news. To address the financial distress, the group urged the Union government, Maharashtra government and BMC to stop treating BEST simply as a loss-making entity and instead support it as essential civic infrastructure. Key revival demands include expanding the self-owned fleet, recruiting permanent manpower and monetising bus stops, depots and advertising assets to boost non-fare revenue rather than burdening commuters with fare hikes. Download the TOI App.