BEST likely to purchase 1,000 buses on contractual basis

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) is likely to buy 500 CNG and 500 diesel buses on a contractual basis. The proposal is likely to be sanctioned in the upcoming committee meeting, slated to be held on September 15.

During the meeting, the BEST administration will be accepting a new memorandum to buy 1,000 buses. Since the past 10 to 12 years, the use of private vehicles has increased, leading to a financial crisis at BEST. To compete with app-based taxi services and provide a service to a special group that prefers travelling by public transport, the BEST has decided to increase the number of buses.

According to the proposal, these new buses will help serve the commuters who travel by metro and monorail. This will not only increase BEST bus frequency but also provide better services to BEST commuters. Officials said that due to the dwindling number of buses, maintenance has become a challenge. Including more buses will thus give some relief to buses and they will be maintained well.

This proposal will add mini- and midi- buses to BEST services, not to mention including AC buses.

According to the proposal, BEST will enter into a contract with the bid winning company for the next ten years.