'The 'BEST' move so far'

Say female passengers who travelled on the new ladies' special bus during peak hours; BEST says more will come

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport's (BEST) latest initiative of starting a dedicated bus service for women has received a thumbs-up from womenfolk. The service, which began yesterday, saw women thronging the bus stops to catch the special bus to and from their destination. An elated Sunil Shinde, BEST committeeu00a0 chairman, said. "I was at Worli Village bus stop and could see the happy faces of the female passengers. They thanked BEST for understanding their problem and starting a service exclusively for them."


All smiles: The bus service dedicated for women has received an
encouraging response from women

Seeing the encouraging response, the transport authority is planning to introduce more services in the suburbs and during peak evening hours. They have begun surveying the areas where female passengers are more in number and the need for a dedicated bus service is more. "We have got many suggestions and complaints about our service from the passengers. We are in the process of deciding the place and time to make this service useful to the maximum number of commuters. Hopefully, we will start the services in suburbs and outside every railway station too," Shinde added.

According to the survey done by the BEST authorities, the number of female passengers have steadily increased over a short period of time. Also, there have been complaints of misbehaviour by male travellers. "Though we have increased the reserved seats for ladies, still they complain that it is not enough. We can't reserve more seats as male passengers think that we are being biased," said a BEST official.

Passengers speak
Sunita Jadhav, who travels between Lower Parel to Worli, said, "I am very glad and thankful to BEST for starting a bus service exclusively for women. It's impossible for us to get onto the buses especially during the peak hours. There is too much of pushing. I'm sure this service will attract more commuters within a few days."
Ranjit Patil, who was present at the Worli Village stop, said, "Even male passengers suffer. BEST has reserved seats for female passengers, but in case they are empty and we go sit there, the women ask us to get up. They should not be given such privileges."