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The Municipality discussed the Matter with Government at Pune. The Government had been contemplating taking over all the road transport in the State. The Mumbai bus transport was not an exception unless it was acquired by the Municipal Corporation. On 21 October 1946, the Municipal Corporation decided to buy the Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company with its bus transport section.
The Municipality discussed the Matter with Government at Pune. The Government had been contemplating taking over all the road transport in the State. The Mumbai bus transport was not an exception unless it was acquired by the Municipal Corporation. On 21 October 1946, the Municipal Corporation decided to buy the Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company with its bus transport section.


On 18 April 1947, the General Manager of the B.E.S.T. Company offered to sell the B.E.S.T. Company along with its bus transport section to the Corporation but required an amount equal to twenty per cent of the value of the bus transport section be paid to the Company as goodwill. But this demand was rejected in view of the Government’s policy of nationalising transport. However, the payment of goodwill was accepted in principle. The Corporation acquired the B.E.S.T. Company total assets for Rs.6,35,00,000.
On 18 April 1947, the General Manager of the B.E.S.T. Company offered to sell the B.E.S.T. Company along with its bus transport section to the Corporation but required an amount equal to twenty per cent of the value of the bus transport section be paid to the Company as goodwill. But this demand was rejected in view of the Government’s policy of nationalising transport. However, the payment of goodwill was accepted in principle. The Corporation acquired the B.E.S.T. Company total assets for {{INR}}6,35,00,000.


On 7 August 1947, the Municipal Corporation took over the B.E.S.&T. Company Ltd and it was Municipalised to form the [[Bombay Electric Supply and Transport|Bombay Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking]] which was again renamed to [[Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking]] (B.E.S.&T Undertaking) in 1995.<ref name = "bestundertaking">{{cite web|url=http://www.bestundertaking.com/his_chap06.asp |title= BEST Undertaking|publisher= [http://bestundertaking.com BEST Undertaking ] |accessdate=2009-11-26}}</ref>
On 7 August 1947, the Municipal Corporation took over the B.E.S.&T. Company Ltd and it was Municipalised to form the [[Bombay Electric Supply and Transport|Bombay Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking]] which was again renamed to [[Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking]] (B.E.S.&T Undertaking) in 1995.<ref name = "bestundertaking">{{cite web|url=http://www.bestundertaking.com/his_chap06.asp |title= BEST Undertaking|publisher= [http://bestundertaking.com BEST Undertaking ] |accessdate=2009-11-26}}</ref>

Revision as of 20:42, 6 September 2010

BEST Bus Service
ParentBrihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking
Founded1905 as BEST Co.Ltd Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company Limited
----
1947 as BEST Undertaking Bombay Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking
DefunctBombay Tramways Company
HeadquartersElectric House, Colaba, Mumbai
LocaleMumbai metropolitan area
Service areaMumbai City
Navi Mumbai
Thane
Mira-Bhayandar
Service typeLocal, Limited bus, Special, Express, Air-conditioned bus services
Mumbai BRTS
Ferry Boat
RoutesOrdinary Bus -
Limited Bus -
Express Bus -
A.C. Bus - 14
BRTS - 4
Ferry Service - 1 [1]
Fleet4143 (as of 01.11.2010) [2]
Fuel typeDiesel, CNG
OperatorB.E.S& T Undertaking
General ManagerUttam Khobragade
WebsiteOfficial Website

The transportation wing of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking operates a large number of bus lines in the Mumbai metropolitan area. These buses are called BEST or B.E ST bus . BEST bus serves the entire Mumbai City. It also has operation outside city limits into neighboring Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mira-Bhayandar. In addition to buses, it also operates a ferry service in the northern reaches of the city.[1].

The BEST also operates bus rapid transit service - Mumbai BRTS. Mumbai BRTS is a massive Bus Rapid Transit System taken up by the MCGM, B.E.S.T Undertaking, and Government of Maharashtra. The Mumbai BRTS began operation in 2008.

The present BEST undertaking was started as a Electric supply company which they then branched out to provide Bus and Tram services. In 1964 Electric tram where terminated due to due to high operational costs and poor public support.[3]

History

Origins

The idea of a mass public transport system for Mumbai was first put forward in 1865 by an American company, which applied for a licence to operate a horse-drawn tramway system. Although a licence was granted, the project was never realized, owing to the prevailing economic depression in the city. The end of the American Civil War, during which Bombay had made vast strides in its economy by supplying cotton and textiles to the world market, was the reason for the economic downturn.

Later, on 27 November 1871, a notice in the Times of India newspaper put by the Bombay Omnibus Service, proposed to set up a bus service between Malabar Hill and Fort. However, the proposed monthly pass fare of thirty pounds proved to be too expensive, and the tender was promptly abandoned.[4]

Bombay Tramway Company Limited

In 1873,the Bombay Tramway Company Limited, was given the licence to operate trams in the city. The Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) was given the right to purchase the company after first twenty-five years, or after every period of seven years thereafter.[4] In 1874, the Bombay Tramways Act was enacted after the contract was formally signed between the Municipality and the Company to start such a tramway service. The Municipality could have taken over the Company in 1894 as stipulated by the contract, but it waived the right and the Bombay Tramway Company Limited was given extension till 1901. In 1899, the Company applied to run its tram-cars on electricity. It also filed a plea that considering heavy expenditure the company will occur the Municipality should waive its right of taking it over in 1901. But even before the application was disposed of, the Municipality decided to exercise its right to take over the Company. In 1905, The Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company Limited (B.E.S. & T Co.Ltd) bought the Bombay Tramway Company Limited.[4]

On 9 May, 1874, the company started Hourse-drawn tram operation. It introduced two kind of trams on road - those drawn by one horse and those drawn by two. Initially the company started with a fleet of 20 cars and 200 horses. Because it was an unfamiliar vehicle and high fare the tram-car was not at first received with the enthusiasm shown for the railway. The company brought down the fare and made special effort to persuade the public that tram was cheap, fast and smooth. When it closed down in 1905, it had as many as 1,360 horses.[4]

Formation of The Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company Limited

Mumbai first electric tram car began operations in 1907.

In 1905, a newly formed concern The Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company Limited (B.E.S. & T Co.Ltd) bought the Bombay Tramway Company Limited[4] and the first electrically operated tram-car appeared on Mumbai’s roads in 1907.[5]

Electric Tram

B.E.S. & T Co.Ltd placed order for the city's first electric tram-car with the Brush Electrical Company of London. The vehicle arrived in Mumbai in January 1906. The service was formally inaugurated on 7 May, 1907 by the Chairman of the Municipality. The inaugural service ran between Municipal Office building and Crawford Market. Regular services started from next day. Unlike the horse drawn tram, electric tram drew praise from public for its comfort and low fare.[4] The Upper Class in the tram-cars was removed after some time. By 1910 the company faced rush hour traffic during office hours and there were not enough trams to cope with the office goers. The company asked for permission to run a triple car and allow standees on tram, the first was reject and later discontinued in 1914.[4]

Double-decker electric trams were introduced in September, 1920 to ease rush hour traffic.

To handle rush-hour traffic double-decker trams were introduced on Mumbai’s roads in September, 1920.[4]

Introduction of Motor Bus

The city's first bus started operations in 1926.

In 1913 there was debate in the Mumbai Municipality whether to introduce trolley buses or motor buses to supplement the tramway service in the city. The main factor against its introduction was the high accident rate for a similar service in London. On 10 February 1926 the B.E.S.& T Company (Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company Limited) decided to introduce three routes on experimental basis. On 15 July 1926, 24 single deck buses started operating on three routes - Afghan Church to the Crawford Market, Dadar Tram Terminus to King’s Circle, via Parsi Colony, and Opera House to Lalbag via Lamington Road and Arthur Road. Despite stiff opposition and protests by taxi-drivers, the service ran without a hitch, transporting six lakh (600,000) passengers by the end of that year. The following year the number had increased to 38 lakhs (3.8 million). The trams meanwhile, because of their lower fares, were relegated to being a poor man's transport. By 1927 B.E.S.T. Company had a fleet of 49 buses.[6]

In March 1930 concessional rates were introduced on short journeys, which attracted more passengers. Car owners quickly embraced the cheap public transport. In response to the pleas made by the Government and the Bombay Municipal Corporation, the company extended its services to the northern part of the city in 1934. In 1937 double-decker buses were introduced to cope better with the growing traffic. The single-deck vehicle carried 36 passengers, the double-decker could take as many as 58. The first limited bus service in Mumbai, and probably the first in the country as well, started running in 1940 between Colaba and Mahim.[7]

Formation of BEST Undertaking

One of the terms of the Agreement of 7 August 1905 between the Bombay Municipal Corporation and the Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company Limited (B.E.S.&T. Company) gave the Bombay Municipality the right to buy the Company at the end of forty-two years. It was also laid down that if the right was exercised on 7 August 1947 - the Municipality would have to pay forty lakh rupees as goodwill, in addition to the agreed price of the Company’s assets. The right to buy the B.E.S.T. Company did not cover its Bus Service, which had been granted a permit by the Commissioner of Police under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. However the act did not stop the Bombay Municipal Corporation from starting its own bus service.

The Municipality discussed the Matter with Government at Pune. The Government had been contemplating taking over all the road transport in the State. The Mumbai bus transport was not an exception unless it was acquired by the Municipal Corporation. On 21 October 1946, the Municipal Corporation decided to buy the Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company with its bus transport section.

On 18 April 1947, the General Manager of the B.E.S.T. Company offered to sell the B.E.S.T. Company along with its bus transport section to the Corporation but required an amount equal to twenty per cent of the value of the bus transport section be paid to the Company as goodwill. But this demand was rejected in view of the Government’s policy of nationalising transport. However, the payment of goodwill was accepted in principle. The Corporation acquired the B.E.S.T. Company total assets for ₹6,35,00,000.

On 7 August 1947, the Municipal Corporation took over the B.E.S.&T. Company Ltd and it was Municipalised to form the Bombay Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking which was again renamed to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (B.E.S.&T Undertaking) in 1995.[8]

Post-independence, BEST increased its fleet from 242 to 582 buses over the next decade. In 1949, it took over the Bandra Bus Company, which used to ply buses in the Western suburbs.[1] The company launched its services in the eastern suburbs in January 1955. The eastern suburbs was serviced by private bus operators. That year, the Undertaking and private operators went to court, with the BEST asking for a complete closure of the private companies. The case dragged on for four years before the Supreme Court of India granted the organization a complete monopoly over bus services in the Greater Bombay area.[1]

In 1955, bus services extended to Eastern Suburbs and Luxury Coach services introduced.[1]

The tramway system had been running at a loss when the Undertaking took it over. The losses kept on mounting year after year. In 1953, it started closing down the uneconomic routes due to high operational costs and poor public support. In 1964 BEST's long-running tram services terminated.[3]

Operations

BEST ferry in Manori Creek
A Vestibule BEST bus. BEST no longer uses these kind of buses
File:BEST-Mumbai-KingLong.jpg
The new CNG-powered King Long buses ply on BRTS routes.

The BEST bus routes are spread city wides and also to neighboring cities. The BEST operates inter-city services to three different areas beyond the Municipal limits of Mumbai city, i.e. into the limits of the bordering corporations of Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mira-Bhayandar. The BEST supplements Suburban Rails, which is the mass carrier on Mumbai region. It is for this reason that BEST always gives priority for feeder routes are given more priority than other routes. The BEST uses Compressed natural gas powered and Diesel powered Single-decker buses and diesel powered double decker buses for its operation.

Majority of BEST bus consist of Ordinary route. Limited bus services which skips minor stops is used on Long routes, high capacity routes and routes that provides connectivity beyond Mumbai city. The buses have 'Ltd appended to routes number. 5xx Ltd numbered buses connect Navi Mumbai with Mumbai. Some buses like 503Ltd and 504Ltd go beyond Navi Mumbai Mumcipal region to Kharghar and Kalamboli area. Buses number 4xx mostly serve Thane and provide connection to Greater Mumbai and buses numbered 7xx Ltd serve Mira - Bhayandar region.

The Mumbai BRTS is a Bus Rapid Transit System taken up in 2008 by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, B.E.S.T Undertaking, and Government of Maharashtra to ease the traffic conditions of the city of Mumbai, and to make public transport systems in the city safer. There are currently seven BRTS routes.[9]

As of 2009, the BEST runs a total of 4,013 buses,[10] ferrying 4.8 million passengers[11] over 365 routes, and has a workforce strength of 38,000, which includes 22,000 bus drivers and conductors (this comes to an average of 11.2 employees per bus).

Besides buses, BEST also operates a ferry service since 1981 in northern Mumbai, across the Manori Creek. The barges operate at regular intervals across the shallow creek linking Manori to Marve.[12]

The BEST bus service has suffered two bombings on 6 December 2002 and 28 July 2003 killing six people. In August 2006, BEST buses also introduced pay-phone system and CCTVs on its buses.[13] This was done in response to terror attacks on the city’s buses and trains.

Bus Route

The routes operated by the BEST can be broadly classified in the following categories.

  • Feeder Routes: These routes which feed the railway stations either from the residential complexes or Business Districts.
  • East-West Connectors: These are the routes, which run East/West, where railways have no role to play and connect the Western Suburb with the Eastern suburb.
  • Trunk Routes: : These routes run South-North through the city and are almost parallel to the railways.
  • BRTS Routes: : These route runs on Western, and Eastern Express Highways, to provide faster services to the commuters

The above routes are further classified into different types depending on the number of stop the bus takes and type of the bus used. Ordinary buses service the Mumbai area and Limited bus services are mostly cater to neighboring region of Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mira-Bhayandar..

Route Displayed (example) Description
Ordinary 127 Ordinary routes are the most common, with buses on these routes stopping at all stops. Buses plying on these routes are identified by a white route number on a black background.
Limited 511
LTD 		Buses on these routes stop only at important places and skip all the minor stops in between on high volume routes. They used to have a marginally higher fare and are identified by the route number in red on a white background. In 2008, the fares of Limited and ordinary buses were brought at the same level. The route number ends with LTD.
Special 1
Special 		These buses ply on select routes covering railway terminus and the central business districts. These routes have a fare marginally higher than the 'Limited' routes and are identified by the route number in white on a red background.
Express 333
EXP 		These buses service long distance intra-city routes, and have fares that are the same as the Special routes, but with lesser number of stops. They have route numbers indicated in red on a yellow background. These buses do not skip the flyovers, like other buses.
Corridor C-42 These newly started corridor routes ply between the Southern city / Distant suburbs to the nodal points Sion / Mahim. They have fares higher then Express Buses. These buses use all the flyovers along the route.
Air-conditioned AS
422 		These buses fares a little over four times the fare of an 'Ordinary' route covering the same distance. These buses have route numbers starting with A or AS.
BRTS BRTS 1 These buses ply on the new BRTS routes.

Fare

The BEST have several different options to pay the fares for the bus. The fares vary depending on the type. Paper Tickets are valid only for single journey. Commuter also have the option to buy Daily pass, Distance-wise bus pass values and Zonal pass. Students are eligible for discounts on monthly and quarterly passes and senior citizens for discounts on weekly, fortnightly, monthly and quarterly passes.[14]

Single Journey Fares

Single Journey Fares are valid only for single trip between any two points. They are issued on paper ticket by the bus conductor. All fare payments must be made in cash. The fare depends on distance of the destination. Single Journey fare are not valid for transfers. Ordinary and Limited bus service have same fares.

All fares are in Indian Rupees.

Single Journey Fares
Distance Ordinary/Limited Express Air Conditioned BRTS AC-EXPRESS
km Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult
2 ₹ 3 ₹ 4 ₹ 10 ₹ 10 ₹ 10
3 ₹ 4 ₹ 5 ₹ 10 ₹ 15 ₹ 15
5 ₹ 5 ₹ 7 ₹ 10 ₹ 15 ₹ 19
7 ₹ 6 ₹ 8 ₹ 15 ₹ 20 ₹ 23
10 ₹ 8 ₹ 11 ₹ 15 ₹ 25 ₹ 30
15 ₹ 10 ₹ 14 ₹ 20 ₹ 30 ₹ 39
20 ₹ 12 ₹ 17 ₹ 25 ₹ 35 ₹ 45
25 ₹ 14 ₹ 20 ₹ 30 ₹ 40 ₹ 55
30 ₹ 15 ₹ 22 ₹ 40 ₹ 50 ₹ 59
35 ₹ 16 ₹ 23 ₹ 50 ₹ 60 ₹ 63
Above 35 ₹ 2 for every additional 5 km or part thereof ₹ 3 for every additional 5 km or part thereof ₹ 5 for every additional 5 km or part thereof ₹ 10 for every additional 5 km or part thereof ₹ 8 for every additional 5 km or part thereof
Concessional Fares:[15]
  • Children below 12 years, student studying up to Higher Secondary and up to the age of 22 years, senior citizen and permanently Orthopaedically handicapped are charged concessional fare.
  • Blind persons are charged a flat fare of ₹ 1/- per journey.
  • Concessional fare facility is not available on BRTS and Air-Conditioned buses.
Free travel:[15]
  • Except on BRTS and Air-Conditioned bus following people are allowed to travel free of charge
    • Freedom fighters and one person accompanying them.
    • Municipal Councilors, Non-Councilor Members of the BEST Committee, Adhoc Members of Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.
    • Police personnel.

Go Mumbai smart card

On 2 January 2007 the BEST launched multi-application smart card called Go Mumbai. Go Mumbai card can be used for storing Season tickets, single journey and extension tickets.[16] The Fares using bus pass can be paid only by Go Mumbai smart card. The Go Mumbai smart card was subsequently made valid for travel on Central Railway main line and Harbour line.[17] The passes fall into two categories - Distance wise bus pass and Zonal pass.[14]

Distance-wise bus pass values

Distance bus value pass are valid only between two destination (on km basis) on Ordinary/Limited bus service. Unlimited rides and transfer are available between opted destination except for single rides. The bus pass are valid for travel between any two destinations up to a distance of maximum 15 Kilometers. The commuter can opt for maximum two travel patterns for distance up to maximum 15 kilometers for each travel pattern.[14]

All fares are in Indian Rupees. Go Mumbai smart card required for purchasing Distance wise bus pass.

Distance-wise bus pass values for Adults(on km basis)
Distance (km) Single ride * Weekly Fortnightly Montly Quarterly
km Adult (5 days fare) (10 days fare) (20 days fare) (55 days fare)
2 ₹ 3 ₹ 30 ₹ 60 ₹ 120 ₹ 330
3 ₹ 4 ₹ 40 ₹ 80 ₹ 160 ₹ 440
5 ₹ 5 ₹ 50 ₹ 100 ₹ 200 ₹ 550
7 ₹ 6 ₹ 60 ₹ 120 ₹ 240 ₹ 660
10 ₹ 8 ₹ 80 ₹ 160 ₹ 320 ₹ 880
15 ₹ 10 ₹ 100 ₹ 200 ₹ 400 ₹ 1100
20 ₹ 12 ₹ 120 ₹ 240 ₹ 480 ₹ 1320
* Single Ride fares valid only for single journey
  • Above Fares valid only on Ordinary/Limited Bus service and between two destination.
  • To travel beyond the destinations specified on the pass, a purchased extension ticket from the conductor on board is required. Regular ticket fare is applicable for the extended journey distance.
  • Senior Citizen (Above 60 yrs) get discount of ₹5/-, 10/-, 20/- & 50/- for weekly, fortnightly, monthly and quarterly passes.
Transfers
  • Unlimited transfer/changeovers en-route, between the opted destinations.

Zonal Pass

Zonal Passes can be purchased according to the service type. Except for City limit and Suburban limit pass, all other passes are valid for entire BEST bus operational area.[14]

All fares are in Indian Rupees. Go Mumbai smart card is required to purchase Zonal Pass.

Zonal pass
City Limit Suburban Limit Magic Bus Pass (Non-A.C All Over) Global Express (Non-A.C.) Diamond (BRTS - King Long)-All Over Diamond (Express) - All Over Student Bus Pass (Up to S.S.C.) Student Bus Pass - 11th & 12th Std
One Day Unlimited (Mon to Sat) ₹ 15 ₹ 20 ₹ 25 ₹ 40 - - - -
One Day Unlimited (Sun and Holidays) - - ₹ 20 ₹ 40 - - - -
Monthly ₹ 350 ₹ 450 ₹ 550 ₹ 750 ₹ 1000 ₹ 1500 ₹ 90 ₹ 190
Quarterly ₹ 900 ₹ 1100 ₹ 1400 ₹ 1700 ₹ 3000 - ₹ 270 ₹ 580
Annual ₹ 3000 ₹ 4000 ₹ 5000 ₹ 6000 ₹ 9000 - - -
Notes:
  • City Limits Pass: Valid for entire southern part of Mumbai City. This pass is not valid on Express, and Air Conditioned Bus Routes.
  • Suburban Limits Pass : Valid for entire area covering from Sion and Mahim to CBD Belapur,Thane & Bhayander(East). This pass is not valid on Express, and Air Conditioned Bus Routes.
  • Magic Pass Pass (All Over): Valid for entire bus operation except on Express and Air Conditioned Bus Routes.
  • Global Express Pass(All Over): Valid for entire bus operation except on valid on Air Conditioned Bus Routes.
  • Diamond-A.C. Pass(All Over): Valid for entire bus operation of the undertaking, including King Long Air Conditioned Bus Routes. This pass is not valid on Air Conditioned Express Bus Routes.
  • Diamond Express-A.C(All Over):- Valid for entire bus operation and for all types of services including Air Conditioned Express Services.
  • Student pass valid between residence and school/college during school/college days. Not valid on holidays and vacations.
  • To travel beyond the destinations specified on the pass, a purchased extension ticket from the conductor on board is required. Regular ticket fare is applicable for the extended journey distance.
Senior Citizen Concesion:
  • Discount of ₹ 20/-, 50/- and 100/- for monthly, quarterly and annual on all zone passes except Diamond pass.

Depot and fleet

The notation written in Marathi on the front left corner of this bus indicates that the bus belongs to the Wadala Depot, and is No. 1046.
File:BEST-Mumbai-Brtsnewaug08.jpg
The New Air-conditioned Low-Floor Tata Marcopolo being used on Mumbai BRTS routes. The sign board diplays route no - BRTS1 heading towards Backbay Depot from Cadbury Junction (Thane)

The BEST uses compressed-natural gas-powered buses, and conventional diesel buses. As of early 2010, the BEST runs a total of 4,143 buses[10]. The fleet comprises Single Decker Diesel Buses (2059),CNG Buses (1962)and 122 Diesel Double-decker buses. The BRTS fleet consists of the BEST Undertaking's CNG powered King Long buses, Tata Starbuses, and Tata Marcopolo Buses.[9]. BEST plans to use only King Long on air-conditioned routes.[18] All buses are tagged with a route number and its corresponding destination. They are displayed in the front (in Marathi), and on the side (in English).

Following court directives, the company launched limited 'disabled friendly' buses on exclusive routes in 2005 that have low ramps and space for wheelchairs.[19] The company also plies vestibule buses on the city's two highways. These buses have a capacity of 110, and were introduced in 1997. These buses were scrapped some time in 2008.[20]

Until the B.E.S.T. Company was taken over by the Municipality, only the Colaba Depot was available for the maintenance of buses and minor repairs. As the fleet grew, the need for more depots was felt. In 1961 the fleet comprised 1045 buses in all. Six new depots were constructed for their maintenance. The Wadala Depot was equipped for the maintenance of 300 buses. At this time it was the largest depot in Asia. After this, taking long maintenance experience into account, the authorities decided that no depot should be called on to look after more than 125 to 150 buses. Accordingly, small depots were built at convenient spots in the city and its suburbs.

In June 2005, in order to cut costs, BEST decided to hire buses from private operators instead of procuring new buses. These buses would look the same as a regular bus, but the maintenance and salaries would be taken care of by the private operators. But, till 2009, no buses have been hired by them.[21] The BEST also plans to install GPS systems on all its buses, to monitor them in realtime. BEST entered into a barter deal with M/s Amnet in 2007 to install three CCTVs in each bus. Amnet also received the rights to advertise in the buses using two LCD screens.[22]

In order to keep this bus fleet roadworthy, a Two-Tier System of maintenance is followed by Transportation Engineering Department. A workshop located centrally at Dadar acts as one work centre. Dadar workshop has a built up area of 27,170 square meters. All Unit overhauling, repairing of Body damages, tyre cut repairs, plant & equipment installation and repairs, reclamation activities are carried out in the workshop.

Every depot is another work center, which provides bus services effectively on every day, carries out preventive maintenance as well as repairs on buses. Depots carry out various maintenance practices such as preventive maintenance, unit replacement, RTO passing, body damage repairs of buses. BEST buses are operated out of the 25 bus depot located in four zones viz. City, Central, Western, Eastern suburban zones.[23][24]

BEST Bus Depot List and Routes operated from each depot
No Depot Name Address Major Routes
City Zone
1 Colaba Electric House, Colaba, Mumbai AS-9, SPL1, 2Ltd
2 Backbay Cuffe Parade Road, Backbay, Mumbai 25Ltd, 138
3 Central Morland Road, Byculla, Mumbai 51
4 Worli Off A. B. Road, Worli, Mumbai 27, 82, 89
5 Wadala Tilak Road, Opp. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College, Wadala, Mumbai AS-440, 61, 453Ltd
Central Suburb Zone
6 Marol Central Road, MIDC, Marol, Andheri (EAST), Mumbai 186, 319, 329, 335, 339, 340, 415, 418, 441, 445Ltd, 496Ltd, 602
7 Dharavi Bandra-Sion Link Road, Dharavi, Mumbai AS-302, 449Ltd
8 Magathane W.E.H, Borivali (East), Mumbai A-70Exp, AS-2, AS-700, 40Ltd, 297, 299, 400, 700Ltd, 701Ltd, 709Ltd
9 Dindoshi Goregaon–Mulund Link Road, Dindoshi, Mumbai AS-525, 398Ltd, 523Ltd
10 Majas J.V.L.R , Jogeshwari (East), Mumbai 185, 332, 308, 339, 442
11 Kurla L.B.S. Marg, Kurla (West), Mumbai 306Ltd, 322
Western Suburb Zone
12 Bandra Bandra Rly Station (West),Mumbai AS-505, 375Ltd, 225, 422, 505Ltd
13 Santacruz Swami Vivekanand Road, Santacruz (West), Mumbai AS-505, AS-707, 1, 83
14 Goregoan Near Motilal Nagar, Goregaon (West), Mumbai 31Exp, 469Ltd
15 Oshiwara Oshiwara Village, Goregaon (West), Mumbai 4Ltd, 84Ltd
16 Poisar Swami Vivekanand Road, Kandivali (West), Mumbai 203, 277, 281, 286
17 Gorai Lokmanya Tilak Road, Gorai, Mumbai AS-458, 259, 461Ltd
18 Malwani Malwani, Malad (West), Mumbai 459Ltd
Eastern Suburb Zone
19 Anik Salt-pan Road, Wadala, Mumbai AS-1, AS-3, 348Ltd
20 Pratiksha Nagar Salt-pan Road, Wadala, Mumbai 15, 302, 448Exp, 448Ltd
21 Deonar Sion–Trombay Road, Deonar, Mumbai 399Ltd, 501Ltd
22 Shivaji Nagar Govandi, Shivaji Nagar, Mumbai 8Ltd, 489Ltd
23 Ghatkopar Ghatkopar (East), Mumbai AS-51, 494Ltd, 511Ltd
24 Vikhroli L.B.S Marg, Vikroli (West), Mumbai 7Ltd, 387, 497Ltd
25 Mulund Devidayal Road, Mulund (West), Mumbai A-13Exp, AS-512, 402, 425
Note:
  • Some of the routes do not originate or terminate from the same depot, but the buses operated on that route belong to that depot.

BEST Transport Museum

The BEST Transport Museum is located at Anik Bus depot at Wadala near IMAX theater. The museum was founded by P D Paranjape, a BEST officer who religiously collected bus tickets, engines, ticket-issuing machines from depots across the city. The museum was set up in 1984 at BEST’s Kurla depot, but was later shifted to Anik depot in 1993.[25] The museum traces the evolution of BEST. It houses mini models of charming old BEST buses and ancient trams. Hand-written placards in Marathi and photographs are also on display for public. Entry to the museum is free.[26]

Organisation

File:Organisation-chart.gif
Management structure of BEST Transport Division

The company is headed by a General Manager, currently Uttam Khobragade. The traffic department is overseen by an 'Assistant General Manager (Traffic Operations)', and assisted by the 'Chief Traffic Manager (Sr.)'. The 'Chief Traffic Manager' oversees the five BEST zones, each headed by a 'Traffic Manager'. Each zone consists of 5 to 6 depots, whose operations are overseen by an 'Assistant General Manager (Traffic Operation)'. The city is divided into 25 depots headed by The Depot Managers. The Traffic Officers, Assistant Traffic Officers and Sr. Asst./Office Asst. assist the Depot Managers.

The Bus Running Control (BRC) Officer mans the Traffic Control Room, round the clock. The section has a VHF set and hot lines connecting all the depots and also Police Control, Traffic Police Control, Railways, etc.[27]

References

Web references
  • "Tram-car arrives". BEST Undertaking. Retrieved 27 August 2005.
  • "Motor-Bus appears". BEST Undertaking. Retrieved 27 August 2005.

Footnotes

  1. ^ a b c d e "Progress of Bus service - FERRY SERVICE". BEST Undertaking . Retrieved 2009-11-26. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ "Transportation Engineering Department - Composition of Fleet". BEST Undertaking . Retrieved 2009-11-26. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ a b "THE END OF THE TRAM WAYS". BEST Undertaking . Retrieved 2009-12-09. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h "Tram-Car Arrives". BEST Undertaking. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  5. ^ "Organization Information". BEST Undertaking . Retrieved 2009-11-26. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ "Motor-Bus Apperars - People take to the Bus". BEST Undertaking . Retrieved 2009-11-26. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ "Organization Information". BEST Undertaking . Retrieved 2009-11-26. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ "BEST Undertaking". BEST Undertaking . Retrieved 2009-11-26. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ a b "Bus Routes Under Bus Rapid Transit System" (PDF). BEST Undertaking . p. 5. Retrieved 23 March 2009. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ a b "Composition of Bus Fleet". BEST Undertaking. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  11. ^ http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/aug/25best.htm
  12. ^ "Bus Transport Profile". Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). Retrieved 2009-11-27. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |publisher= at position 48 (help)
  13. ^ DNA Correspondent (26 August 2006). "BEST makes a smart move". Daily News & Analysis. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  14. ^ a b c d "Buspass 2009" (PDF). BEST Undertaking . Retrieved 2009-11-20. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ a b "Facilities provided". BEST Undertaking . Retrieved 2009-12-01. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ "MONTHLY BUS PASS SCHEME THROUGH-SMARTCARD (GO Mumbai)". BEST Undertaking. Retrieved 2009-12-04.
  17. ^ "Smartcard for train, bus travel". The Times of India. Retrieved 2009-12-04.
  18. ^ "King Long buses to replace BEST fleet". BEST Undertaking. Retrieved 2009-12-06.
  19. ^ DNA (19 August 2005). "Now, BEST buses for the disabled". Daily News & Analysis. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  20. ^ "Articulated Single Deck Bus". BEST Undertaking. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  21. ^ Albuquerque, Olav (4 June 2005). "BEST to hire buses from private operators". Times of India. p. 7. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  22. ^ Rawal, Swapnil (14 March 2007). "BEST firms up deal for CCTVs in buses". Indian Express. The Indian Express Group. Retrieved 10 May 2009.
  23. ^ "Help line DEPOTS". BEST Undertaking. Retrieved 26 November 2009.
  24. ^ "Parking Facilities available at BEST Bus Depot". BEST Undertaking . Retrieved 26 November 2009. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ Priyanka Bhosale. "Summer Past-time - BEST TRANSPORT MUSEUM,WADALA". Karmayog.org. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
  26. ^ Time Out mumbai. "BEST Transport Museum". Time Out Mumbai. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
  27. ^ "Organisational Setup". BEST Undertaking . Retrieved 12 October 2006. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to BEST.
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