Mumbai’s Affordable BEST Buses Disappearing: Locals Face Transport Woes

Mumbai's affordable BEST bus routes that connect railway stations to narrow alleys, hillocks, and small lanes are slowly reducing. Smaller buses are being moved to bigger roads and longer routes, leaving commuters in narrow lanes with fewer buses and longer waiting times.

BEST operates three types of buses-regular, midi, and minibuses. However, due to a shortage of regular buses, midi buses are now being used on main roads. This shift is affecting commuters in small neighbourhoods where buses are becoming less frequent, according to a Mid-day report.

BEST's Midi Buses

Currently, there are 285 midi buses in operation, but this number is expected to drop to just 42 by November 2025. Although officials have claimed otherwise, sources suggest that BEST is struggling to balance its fleet. As these buses are shifted to major roads, routes in smaller areas might lose bus services altogether.

During a recent visit, mid-day observed the impact in areas like Juhu Mora Gaon and Geeta Nagar in Colaba. Locals complained about overcrowding and longer waiting times due to fewer small buses.

Commuters Struggle

On Friday morning, mid-day visited Juhu Mora Gaon, where route 627 connects Andheri West station to the locality. Near the last bus stop, the road is so narrow that it is difficult for midi buses to turn. A resident said that peak-hour traffic jams make the situation worse, and drivers often struggle to navigate. At one stop, a bus driver was seen arguing with a vegetable vendor because the vendor's stall was blocking the turn.

Wasim Shaikh, a daily commuter, said, "Route 627 is very important, but the midi bus finds it hard to pass through narrow roads. BEST should introduce small AC buses as they can move more easily."

Problems In Geeta Nagar, Colaba

A similar issue exists in Geeta Nagar, where route 139 connects Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to the area. On Dr Homi Bhabha Road, only one bus can pass at a time, causing traffic delays. An HSC student said, "If these buses stop running, we will have to walk 15-20 minutes to Navy Nagar for another bus."

Shalini Tambe, a Geeta Nagar resident, added, "This bus service is essential for students and office workers. If it stops, many people will suffer because taxis are too expensive." Another resident, Catherin Seve, said, "Many elderly people and patients rely on this bus to visit hospitals. If the service ends, they will have no choice but to walk long distances or spend more money on transport."

BEST's Official Response

A commuter recalled that BEST had introduced AC buses earlier, but they were removed after a few months, leaving only non-AC buses. A BEST transport official, speaking anonymously, assured that there are enough small buses for narrow lanes and more will be added soon. However, an official statement confirmed that while there are currently 285 midi buses, only 42 will remain by November 2025. As an alternative, 856 wet-lease buses are available.

Affected Routes

The reduction in midi buses will impact several routes, including Geeta Nagar, Bhandup West, Kanjurmarg West, Vidyavihar, Santacruz East (Datta Mandir Marg), Malad (Appa Pada), and Juhu Mora Gaon. Commuters in these areas may face further difficulties as bus availability declines.