Critics have mocked the BEST, saying it has now become a tempo service, after the latest official statistics show the Undertaking has more mini buses in its fleet than full-size buses. As the BEST on Sunday announced it was permitting 100 per cent seating in its buses with no standees from Monday as part of the latest relaxations, BEST committee members alleged that carrying capacity of the BEST had already reduced by 50 per cent.

“The fleet has come down to less than 2,000 and wet lease buses are about 1,250. The carrying capacity of BEST Undertaking has already been reduced by 50%. I want to know what the BEST Undertaking has planned to clear the rush of commuters in the scenario where even local trains are shut,” BEST committee member Sunil Ganacharya said.