Ensure public transport infrastructure is rain-ready

Representation pic

Water, water everywhere and, unfortunately, on the bus seat, too. It was bucket seats full of water, our report stated, as Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus passengers complained of leaky roofs as Mumbai received its first monsoon showers of the season on Wednesday.

Water was seen leaking through the roofs of several BEST buses.

This naturally makes one question the maintenance of the public transport fleet. We also note that these are pre-monsoon showers, and if the roofs are leaking at this time, with passengers getting drenched, then one shudders to think what will happen when the monsoon gains momentum, and we have a downpour.

A BEST committee member pointed out that some passengers who had umbrellas were sitting with them open inside the vehicle. An official reassured that all buses are being periodically checked. Buses where this problem has been highlighted will be checked and the problem fixed.

All public commuting infrastructure must be rain-ready. Leaky roofs seem to be a perennial problem across different transport amenities. Buses can get this fixed and ensure that windows are functional, too, so commuters can shift the windows smoothly to close them if it starts raining.

The big trusty red bus has always provided Mumbaikars with stellar service during this season. It is the monsoon's go-to vehicle. We have seen buses move stoically in the deluge, rising above the floodwaters, carting Mumbai's stranded home.

Attention to the interiors and quality checks and fixes mean buses are rain-ready and BEST-suited for the challenging season ahead.