Maharashtra: Mumbai’s BEST Bus services hit as 657 vehicles deployed for election duty

Additionally, 35 wheelchair-accessible electrical buses equipped with automatic ramps person been provided for elder citizens and persons with disabilities. These buses volition run connected designated routes successful each assembly constituency connected Wednesday, the predetermination day.

BEST has besides been tasked with supporting the constabulary force’s mobility during the predetermination phase. Between 140 and 160 buses person been earmarked for constabulary and peculiar forces’ transport needs, with 28 buses already deployed since October 14.

Of the 2,807 buses successful BEST’s fleet, including its bedewed lease arrangements, 2,150 buses remained operational, excluding the 657 assigned for election-related duties. The operational buses included 351 non-AC units -230 single-decker and 121 mini buses – and 306 AC mini-buses.

The simplification successful disposable buses led to wide inconvenience for commuters, particularly arsenic BEST did not contented anterior notifications astir the work disruptions. Many passengers complained of longer hold times and overcrowding connected the remaining buses, causing vexation and delays connected their commute.

The suburban services were deed much arsenic compared to the metropolis fleet, particularly successful the occidental suburbs. The timing of the disruptions, coinciding with the past moving time earlier polling day, added connected to the challenges faced by nationalist autobus commuters. They person urged BEST to amended connection and program amended to mitigate specified disruptions successful the future.