BEST, Mumbai's famed public transport lost 20 per cent takers

Mumbai's dependence on public transport has fallen from 80 per cent to 62 per cent in the past 15 years, according to a survey conducted by the BMC. And the drop is primarily in the number of bus users.

The data was made available in the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) released by the BMC. The findings highlight that an increasing number of Mumbaikars prefer to take cabs, especially from private pliers, Ola and Uber.

"There has been a shift from public transport to private," said SVR Srinivas, Additional Municipal Commissioner in-charge. The Mobility Plan was prepared with a view to decongest the city. Interestingly, the number of commuters has not lessened on local trains. The stakeholders claim they will increase dependency on public transport up to 80 per cent by 2034 by strengthening roads and improving infrastructure.