MUMBAI: Commuter rights activists have demanded that the state government, which has spent thousands of crores of rupees on big ticket projects, should step in and invest in the cash-strapped BEST undertaking to restore it to its past glory.“At a time when the state has spent thousands of crores on car-centric projects such as Bandra-Worli Sea Link and Eastern Freeway, it is high time it pays attention to the ailing transport body, which has served lakhs for generations,” said transport analyst Hussain Indorewala.“There are just 7.5-9% car users in the city while a bus’s carrying capacity is equivalent to eight to nine cars. BEST rendered valuable service to more than 45 lakh daily commuters a decade ago. Unfortunately, this figure has dropped to 25 lakh today. Why can’t the state help revive this once glorious transport body and invest in good quality service and better infrastructure?” he asked.“BEST bus is important for every Mumbaikar and many have good memories travelling on red buses for decades,” said Vidyadhar Date, convenor of Aamchi Mumbai, Aamchi BEST, an NGO working towards reviving BEST glory. Another expert said the state needs to invest in high-tech buses low on emission by providing viability gap funding (in which government provides grants to make up for losses). The state has experimented with such a scheme on a small scale by investing in 25 swanky AC hybrid electric buses, each costing Rs 1.7 crore, which have been given to the BEST to run from BKC and to Borivli, Thane and Kharghar. Revenue losses are being absorbed by the state. Vipul Thakker, a commuter, said, “We need at least 1,000 AC buses.” BEST panel member Ravi Raja said the state can subsidize BEST, which will help curtail losses and loans mounting to Rs 2,500 crore.

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