Experts Urge BEST to Acquire Own Buses for Improved Service
ECONOMY & POLICY

Experts Urge BEST to Acquire Own Buses for Improved Service

Transport experts have emphasised the urgent need for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) to purchase its own buses to provide better services to commuters. Currently, BEST operates a significant number of buses on a wet lease basis, which has raised concerns about service quality and reliability.

According to experts, relying on leased buses has led to maintenance issues and inconsistencies in service delivery. Owning a fleet would allow BEST greater control over maintenance schedules and operational standards, leading to improved reliability and commuter satisfaction. The wet lease model, while cost-effective in the short term, has proven inadequate for long-term sustainability and quality assurance.

BEST's ageing fleet and the high maintenance costs of leased buses have exacerbated these issues. Experts argue that an owned fleet would ensure better upkeep and more efficient service management. This shift is seen as essential to cope with the growing demand for public transport in Mumbai and to maintain the trust of daily commuters.

The call for BEST to acquire its own buses comes at a time when the organization is facing increased competition from private bus operators and app-based ride services. To stay competitive and meet the city's transportation needs, BEST must invest in modern, reliable buses.

The acquisition of a new fleet is also expected to align with Mumbai?s broader goals of sustainable urban mobility, reducing emissions, and enhancing the overall public transport experience. As BEST navigates these challenges, experts highlight that immediate investment in its own buses is crucial for the long-term improvement of public transportation in Mumbai.

The 14th RAHSTA Expo, part of the India Construction Festival, will be held on October 9 and 10, 2024, at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai. For more details, visit: https://rahstaexpo.com

Transport experts have emphasised the urgent need for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) to purchase its own buses to provide better services to commuters. Currently, BEST operates a significant number of buses on a wet lease basis, which has raised concerns about service quality and reliability. According to experts, relying on leased buses has led to maintenance issues and inconsistencies in service delivery. Owning a fleet would allow BEST greater control over maintenance schedules and operational standards, leading to improved reliability and commuter satisfaction. The wet lease model, while cost-effective in the short term, has proven inadequate for long-term sustainability and quality assurance. BEST's ageing fleet and the high maintenance costs of leased buses have exacerbated these issues. Experts argue that an owned fleet would ensure better upkeep and more efficient service management. This shift is seen as essential to cope with the growing demand for public transport in Mumbai and to maintain the trust of daily commuters. The call for BEST to acquire its own buses comes at a time when the organization is facing increased competition from private bus operators and app-based ride services. To stay competitive and meet the city's transportation needs, BEST must invest in modern, reliable buses. The acquisition of a new fleet is also expected to align with Mumbai?s broader goals of sustainable urban mobility, reducing emissions, and enhancing the overall public transport experience. As BEST navigates these challenges, experts highlight that immediate investment in its own buses is crucial for the long-term improvement of public transportation in Mumbai.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India, US to promote sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen in buses

India and the United States have agreed to promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), electrification of medium and heavy-duty vehicles, and the use of hydrogen in buses, tractors, and heavy equipment. This decision came during the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) dialogue between US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri in Washington, DC. Both nations also encouraged increased investments in each other's clean energy markets. The joint statement emphasised the importance of a "just, orderly, and sustainable energy trans..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Tuticorin Airport upgradation set for December completion

Tuticorin Airport in Tamil Nadu is undergoing a significant upgrade, with an expected completion date in December 2024. The project, valued at Rs 3.81billion, is being carried out by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and involves the extension of the runway to accommodate A-321 type aircraft, construction of a new apron, a new terminal building, a technical block with a control tower, and a new fire station. The new terminal building, covering 17,500 square meters, will significantly enhance the airport's capacity, enabling it to serve 1,440 passengers during peak hours and handle up to 2 ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Airfare hike not tied to increased airport charges; ACI

The Airports Council International (ACI) stated that rising airfares are not linked to increased airport charges. Airport charges are crucial for infrastructure development within the commercial aviation ecosystem, but they remain a minimal part of the overall airfare. Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia Pacific & Middle East, emphasized that airports are infrastructure-intensive businesses, with costs dominated by maintaining essential infrastructure such as runways, taxiways, aprons, and terminal buildings. He noted that neglecting the capital expenditure needed to support future g..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000