Mumbai: Rattled commuters slam changes in BEST bus routes

Commuters said there was chaos since the changes were implemented on September 1. File pic

Commuters have been complaining about the new BEST bus routes since they were updated on September 1, saying that it has led to chaos as they are still grappling with the changes. A number of traditional routes have been cancelled, curtailed and diverted. BEST officials, however, assured that teams are micro-monitoring the situation, and will do everything for the comfort of passengers if the complaints and inconvenience continue. Most of the commuters had issues about changes and updates in bus routes in the western suburbs, where two Metro lines are expected to be commissioned later this year.

‘Not the BEST of happenings'

Harshad Joshi from Mulund said he had three points to complain about. "Poor communication - the BEST app is never updated and doesn't show buses, and the diversion of Sion-Thane C42 bus route via Ghatkopar bus station. This was the only fastest route and now has been made slowest. Ghatkopar depot loop is the third, it eats into a lot of time due to traffic in peak hours," he said.

Bus commuter Ninad Kabale said the Borivli to Goregaon stretch is in total disarray. "Seven routes shut down and the ones running have poor frequency. No route has been spared. Shivaji Nagar-Dahisar bus route 489, for example, has been curtailed upto Dindoshi. The 489 used to run with standees till Borivli and had a lot of direct passengers. Same thing with many other bus routes, he said.

"We protest the overall decision of shutting down 23 routes and reworking existing routes that were doing good. Commuters are angry and upset," bus fan Rupesh Shelatkar said.

We are listening: BEST GM

BEST General Manager Lokesh Chandra said, "The changes are for better, and were implemented after studying traffic patterns and responses carefully. It is just two to three days and Mumbaikars should remain assured that we have our ear to the ground and listen to every small grievance. The changes were done keeping in mind the increase of frequency on every route. We have been closely monitoring the bus routes and will do everything for the comfort of passengers if the complaints and inconvenience continue. To start with, we have stepped up an awareness campaign on the changes by not just pasting posters and pamphlets at bus depots and buses, but also amplifying every new route individually on social media by stating Know Your Route," BEST General Manager Lokesh Chandra said.

He said, in fact, since the changes have come into effect, the number of passengers in buses seems to be steadily rising, which is giving them hope that they are moving in the right direction. "But we want to assure Mumbaikars that we are open to all suggestions and grievances and will look into the problems," he assured.