BEST To Launch Premium Bus Service By Mid-October

Latest News: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply Transport (BEST) is finally all set to launch a premium bus service by mid-October and deploy 1000 e-bikes soon.

At a time wherein Mumbai city is witnessing a surge in the number of private cars plying on roads- one of the major causes of pollution and environmental harm, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply Transport (BEST) is finally all set to launch a premium bus service by mid-October.

Lokesh Chandra, general manager of BEST, the transport undertaking of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, mentioned in a statement that the premium bus service which was set to be flagged off on the day of Navratri, unfortunately, had to be postponed due to a delay in obtaining certification from Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) which is mandatory since they are electric buses. However, by mid-October, the services are all set to begin. 

According to news reports, the BEST premium bus service, once launched, will be made available in areas which have corporate offices, such as BKC to Thane, and Powai.  

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Further, Mr. Lokesh Chandra stated: “A bus carries anywhere between 50 and 90 passengers. If these many self-driven car users shift to BEST buses, we are reducing road occupancy which is a major cause of traffic. Also, BEST has shifted to electric cars for its office use rather than ICVs as a part of its sustainable transportation agenda. “We have switched from diesel cars to EVs. There are over 100 EVs for office use. Earlier, Rs 8 crore was spent on diesel cars annually but EVs have brought that down to approximately Rs 6 crore.”

Lokesh Chandra also said that passengers alighting from their buses will be able to use e-bikes as well, to commute. “These vehicles can be picked up and dropped off at any e-bike station. This further strengthens BEST’s position as the country’s number one technology-oriented transport undertaking. BEST has been doing public trials of this service since June 2022, and these have received a tremendous response with more than 40,000 people registering for it.”

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In this regard, Chandra added “1,000 e-bikes will be deployed this month at 180 bus stops and commercial and residential areas. Initially, the bikes will be available in Andheri, Vile Parle, Juhu, Santacruz, Khar, Bandra, Mahim and Dadar and then the rest of the city.”

Thus, this is the latest news regarding BEST, its premium bus service as well as deployment of e-bikes. Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below. 

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