During previous monsoon seasons, trains would stall as tracks would get flooded
Representation pic
Despite Mumbaikars’ we-are-fazed-by-nothing standards, Monday’s deluge sank the city, and citizens have just about emerged from the crisis, gasping for breath.
This paper featured a transport analyst highlighting why we still need to infuse new life into a flailing transport provider like the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), hailing its buses as knights in shining red armour when crises like monsoon flooding or the pandemic hit.
During previous monsoon seasons, trains would stall as tracks would get flooded. Cabbies would refuse to ply or charge fares that not only burned a hole in the pocket but set the entire pocket and garment afire. The Metro was non-existent. At that time, Mumbaikars clambered onto the old trusty bus and made their way home, many hours later than usual, but in one piece.
Revive our bus numbers, which have fallen drastically. Put funding and consequently faith into the service and give Mumbaikars their buses back. During the COVID pandemic two years ago, bus services were operating in the city. This is how Mr. Reliable has given its services to Mumbaikars, and if infused with a new lease of life, will become the transport lifeline it once was, especially in this season.
Today, we witness people waiting for very long times at bus stops. The frequency of buses is dismal, and that is putting it mildly. This is the reason commuters are looking at other options.
Experts have also quite rightly pointed out that countries with multiple transport systems are investing in bus facilities as they realise it is vital to keep them going. Ticket prices have gone up recently to make up for losses, but much more needs to be done to get a magnificent albeit faltering service back on its heels, or in this case, wheels.
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