17 July,2026 07:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The union presented several suggestions aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of BEST services. Pic/BEST
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) administration held a joint meeting with representatives of the 'Aapli BEST Aplyasathi' union on Friday to discuss ways to improve Mumbai's public bus services, an official statement said.
The meeting was held at BEST Bhavan and was chaired by BEST Committee Chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao.
The union presented several suggestions aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of BEST services.
The main issues discussed included:
- Increasing the number of buses in the fleet.
- Improving passenger facilities.
- Strengthening traffic management.
- Enhancing bus maintenance and repair services.
- Exploring new sources of revenue, including advertising.
- Improving employee welfare.
- Filling vacant posts.
- Strengthening the financial and administrative performance of the undertaking.
During the meeting, Trushna Vishwasrao instructed department officials to examine the union's suggestions and take appropriate action on priority.
She stressed the importance of providing passengers with safer, more reliable and punctual bus services while improving the overall travel experience.
She also encouraged officials to adopt innovative measures to increase BEST's revenue and resolve pending issues without delay.
The Chairperson also directed officials to study the feasibility of extending bus routes 200 and 494.
Departments have been asked to examine the proposal and take the necessary steps if the route extensions are found to be practical.
Officials from various departments presented updates on the issues discussed and assured the committee that appropriate action would be taken.
The meeting concluded with both the administration and the union expressing confidence that continued cooperation would help strengthen BEST and deliver better public transport services for Mumbai commuters, officials said.
The BEST had earlier stated that it will operate 12 additional buses in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) as part of the weekly 'Public Transport Day' initiative aimed at encouraging commuters to use public transport and reducing the use of private vehicles in the city's commercial hub.
According to operational data shared by transport officials, the additional buses were deployed across multiple routes to cater to office-goers travelling to and from BKC during peak hours.
Depot-wise, DHD Depot operated four extra buses on route BKC-3 and another four on route 310. KKD Depot deployed two additional buses on route BKC-1, while KLD Depot operated two extra buses on route BKC-2.
The additional services supplemented the regular fleet of 36 scheduled buses operating in the area, increasing the overall carrying capacity for commuters travelling to and from BKC.
Officials said passenger movement remained normal throughout the day at key locations, including BKC, Bandra Bus Station, and Kurla West. No major congestion, overcrowding, or operational issues were reported despite the additional passenger movement expected under the initiative.
The 'BKC Weekly Public Transport Day', observed every Friday, was launched by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in June to encourage employees working in the business district to choose public transport over private vehicles.
