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.

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 Transport

CPCL crosses $10 million revenue milestone

Chaitanya Projects Consultancy (CPCL), a leading infrastructure and engineering consultancy, has surpassed $10 million in annual revenue for FY 2024–25, marking a five-year compound annual growth rate of 28.2 per cent—well above the industry average. Established in 2004, CPCL has delivered over 300 projects across highways, bridges, urban infrastructure, water, transport, and environmental sectors. Its achievements include over 600 km of six-lane highways, 2,000 km of national highways, and 100 major bridges. “Our goal has always been to improve India’s infrastructure,” sai..

Next Story
Resources

KPIL secures new orders worth Rs 37.89 billion

Kalpataru Projects International Ltd (KPIL), a major EPC player in power transmission and civil infrastructure, has secured new orders worth approximately Rs 37.89 billion along with its international subsidiaries. The orders include a significant contract in the Buildings and Factories (B&F) segment in India, marking KPIL’s largest B&F order to date. The project involves the development of over 12 million sq ft of residential space with supporting infrastructure, awarded on a design-build basis. Additionally, the company has won new transmission and distribution (T&D) order..

Next Story
Real Estate

Apartment loading rises to 40 per cent in top cities

Driven by rising demand for premium amenities, the average apartment loading across India’s top seven cities has reached 40 per cent in Q1 2025, up from 31 per cent in 2019, according to ANAROCK Research. The loading factor, or the area paid for beyond the usable carpet area, covers common spaces such as lobbies, staircases, and clubhouses. Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) continues to lead with the highest loading at 43 per cent. Bengaluru saw the sharpest jump, from 30 per cent in 2019 to 41 per cent in Q1 2025. Chennai recorded the lowest average loading at 36 per cent. “Sixty..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?