Unreliable: With a hike in bus pass rates, commuters demand at least regular service. FILE PIC

BEST introduced the China-made KingLong buses six months ago with great fanfare to provide regular service to commuters and minimise their woes. The claims seem to have fallen flat with commuters complaining about its irregular service and that too, without prior notice.

Yesterday, the KingLong bus services were stopped due to heavy showers without any intimation. Tired of the daily problems caused by these buses, a group of passengers have started the BEST Air-conditioned KingLong China Bus Passengers Association to resolve their issues.

Parmeshwar K R (57), founder member of the association, says, "These buses get overcrowded with two lines of standees. There is no place even for the conductor." He says there are 101 members in the association. They will put forth their grievances and demand prompt action. 

"While the seating capacity of each bus is 47, the number of commuters in any given bus goes up to 75. We are also not informed about changes made in the route or the fares," complains Manoj Sarolkar (39), who commutes from Thakur Village to Bandra. He fears the buses would be even more irregular due to heavy rains expected to hit the city.

Commuters have also complained about BEST hiking the monthly pass fares of these buses from Rs 750 to Rs 1,000. Rajendra Master (55), who travels from Dahisar to Bandra, says, "Despite spending so much, we don't get good service. In Bangalore, similar AC buses run only for season ticket holders without a conductor."

However, A S Tamboli, PRO, BEST says, "We always issue a note before changing a fare or route. We're the cheapest public transport providing service to the commuters."