BEST buses back to old school interiors

BEST authorities replace plastic handles with old durable metal ones after receiving thousands of complaints in the past few weeks of broken grab handles

BEST authorities replace plastic handles with old durable metal ones after receiving thousands of complaints in the past few weeks of broken grab handles

After receiving several complaints about broken bucket seats, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) officials are now busy dealing with commuters complaining about broken plastic grab handles. BEST depots across the city have received complaints of damaged grab handles. "We have been receiving complaints for a while now. Passengers insist that we replace or repair the broken handles, as the sharp edges hurt them. Some angry passengers are unwilling to listen to any explanation we offer them," a BEST employee told Sunday MiDDAY.


BEST will replace plastic grab handles with metal ones after receiving
passenger complaints

BEST authorities had allowed an advertising agency to replace grab handles of over 2,000 buses with wide polycarbonate plastic handles. The agency sold the space on the handles to advertisers and paid BEST a fixed amount per bus every month. The agency was also responsible for the maintenance and repair of these handles.

"We allowed an agency to install plastic handles to generate more revenue. I will visit the depots and conduct an inspection of the broken handles and take necessary action," BEST committee member Dilip Patel, said.
BEST authorities have decided to start replacing plastic grab handles with the original steel ones. Sunil Shinde, BEST committee chairperson, said, "We were receiving a lot of complaints about the grab handles breaking and hurting passengers. The steel handles were more durable. We will replace the plastic handles soon."

BEST authorities have also received complaints about broken bucket seats. Several passengers have even stopped commuting by buses due to alleged ignorance of complaints by BEST officials. Dahisar resident Shyam Kumar said. "I travelled by BEST buses for eight years, but I don't anymore. The drivers and conductors are extremely rude and the authorities are not concerned about the problems passengers face. I have registered several complaints but they have not been addressed."

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