BEST of both worlds

BEST has already asked NMMT not to use its bus stops. The Mira-Bhayander Municipal Transport (MBMT),which is planning to start bus services from Mira-Bhayander to Mumbai,will also have to erect its bus stops in the city. But according to the new norms framed by the state government,buses belonging to any municipal transport units at the MMR can travel freely in others’ territory. “We welcome other municipal transport units to the city. They can construct whatever that comes to their mind,but we would not allow them to use our bus stops or terminals,” said BEST general manager Uttam Khobragade.

As transport units at MMR are increasing their fleet strength under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM),they have plans to operate buses in Mumbai also. It is to be noted that the BEST buses has been using the stops and terminals of of TMT,NMMT and MBMT.

According to commuters,the BEST’s stand is only going to aggravate their problems. “This is only going to confuse commuters and add to the chaos,” said Parmeshwar K R,president of BEST AC Bus Commuters Association. Also,the city will be flooded with bus stops,he said.

When contacted,Shrikant Sarmukadam,general manager,Thane Municipal Transport (TMT),said,“It would be easier for the commuters to identify bus stops as all transport units will have different destinations.”

The other municipal transport units do not seem to have problem with the BEST’s decision. The NMMT has already planned to erect 300 bus stops in the city. “We don’t have any problem in erecting our bus stops in the city,” said Vijay Patil,assistant general manager,Mira Bhayander Municipal Transport. Sarmukadam added,“If the order is passed,we will have to erect our own bus stops.”