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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Innovision Wins NHAI Toll Collection Contract at Aashpur Fee Plaza

Innovision Limited has informed stock exchanges that it has been awarded a user fee collection and facility maintenance contract by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The letter of award was issued on 10 August 2026 for operations at Aashpur Fee Plaza at design kilometre 231.100 on National Highway number 91 between Aligarh and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. The engagement covers collection of user fees for four and more lane sections and the upkeep and maintenance of adjacent toilet blocks including replenishment of consumable items. The contract was secured through a competitive e-te..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Bharat Electronics Secures Rs.5,410 mn In Orders

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has secured additional orders worth Rs.5,410 million (mn) since the last disclosure on 31 July 2026. The fresh awards raise the company's recently reported intake and were announced by way of a regulatory filing on 10 August 2026. The orders span multiple business verticals and are incremental to contracts already under execution. The update follows the company's routine disclosure obligations to the stock exchanges. Major orders received include communication equipment, electro optics, ammunition fuzes, Chemical B..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

United Drilling Tools Receives US Order For Gas Lift Mandrel

United Drilling Tools Limited said it has received an order from Tri Lift Services Inc of the United States for the supply of a gas lift mandrel to be used in the oil and gas industry. The company said the disclosure was made to listing authorities under the Securities and Exchange Board of India listing rules and the SEBI master circular of November 2024. The notice set out the nature of the contract as commercial and awarded by an international entity. The order is to be executed in the ordinary course of business and carries an estimated contract value of Rs four point eight three million (..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement