BEST depots to be commercialised

Though the decision has not been given a final shape, the undertaking, it is understood, will also use the additional floor space index for commercial purposes.

The undertaking, with private participation, has also decided to construct 2,000 bus shelters in the city. Shanbag informed that the undertaking had already received proposals from 250 sponsors so far. Each sponsor will have to construct the shelter on its own which will cost a little over Rs one lakh, pay a deposit of Rs 20,000 and pay a rent of Rs 3,000 per month to the undertaking. In return, the sponsor will be allowed to advertise on the shelter for a period of three years. After that, the shelter is to be handed over to the undertaking. The undertaking will also start additional 2,000 bus stops in the city without shelters.

The undertaking has also written to the state government to reduce the nutrition and passenger tax which amounts to around Rs 32 crore. They have also requested the government for financial assistance in view of the loss suffered by the undertaking in running buses in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira Road and Bhayender.

BEST is also trying to reduce its double-decker buses since the undertaking is finding it difficult to run these buses.