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The decline of BEST: The slow fade of Mumbai's Lifeline 

Can Mumbai thrive if the government continues to neglect BEST, its transport lifeline?

The most effective way to destroy Mumbai and its economy is by killing its public transport which is the lifeline of millions of people, case in point being the more than 100-year-old BEST transport. Despite the depleting fleet, down from 3,379 in 2019 to 2,996 in 2024, and further reduction of 280 buses in October 2024, figures suggest that nearly 35,00,000 Mumbaikars continue to rely on BEST buses for their daily commute.

 

This suggests that Mumbaikars are dependent on the BEST due to its low affordable fares and effective connectivity, despite longer wait times and cramped-to-the-point-of-suffocation journey conditions. BEST provides the essential last mile connectivity for people travelling by trains and metro.

 

It is a known fact across the world that public transport services are not profiteering enterprises of the government, but in fact, it is the government’s duty to provide safe, affordable, inclusive and sustainable commuting.

 

Where most Indian cities are striving to reach the BEST standards, the State authorities are systematically and substantially killing Mumbai’s most important institutions which will definitely lead to Mumbai’s degeneration. 

Facts and Report 

As Mumbai’s public transport system faces mounting challenges, recent reports highlight the alarming decline of BEST buses, the backbone of the city’s connectivity.

  • Depleting fleet numbers

Decline of best.PNG

  • Bus depots at Dharavi, Kala Qilla and Mahim are being handed over to developers for redevelopment.

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  • In August 2024, there are 1,070 BEST-owned buses, but by 2025, due to National Vehicle Scrappage Policy, there will be only 370 buses. 

Implications/ Issues

  • The decline of BEST will lead to a destruction Mumbai’s service economy as the essential affordable last mile connectivity will be taken away. â€‹Further it will force a shift from public to private transport including taxis, aggregator cabs, autos, motor bikes etc. resulting in further exacerbated conges on and air pollution in Mumbai.

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  • App-based agencies and private operators with high fares are getting an opportunity to address gaps left by BEST, but are only affordable for a very small percentage of people, not the masses.​The removal of a prime public transport service like BEST will bring Mumbai down to a provincial town.

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  • Giving away BEST's prime bus depot lands and assets to private companies for redevelopment as a ruse to raising money for sustainability is irreversible damage to the public institution 

Recommendations/Strategic Framework

  • Private contracts for wet-leasing of buses and/ or private operations should be scrapped and BEST should be maintained as truly public;

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  • The State has to consider BEST as a major infrastructure for the city and allocate sufficient funds to: 

    • Increase the BEST-owned bus fleet to 10,000 numbers including single and double decker busses;

    • Provide for all gaps in currents routes and last mile connectivity and resurrect discontinued routes

    • Improve and upgrade current BEST bus transport premises/ depots/ hubs

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  • Air-conditioned buses should not be a priority as by reducing fares they will only drain resources

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  • Create a palette of options to generate additional funds for BEST support such as providing paid parking facilities at bus depots, schools and other private companies/ agencies can rent BEST buses for certain hours of the day etc.  

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