In an attempt to make public transport better, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has set up new bus stops for the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking along the Western Express Highway. This isn’t the first time the agency has set up bus stops, it has done so in the past, as part of the Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project (MUIP) in 2003.
Along with the bus stop, MMRDA has also marked the road in front of the bus stop with a yellow grid.
The new bus shelters are divided into two parts: One side with seating and one side with space for standees. Between the two parts are four USB slots to charge phones (as tweeted by Sahil, who shared these images).
The bus stop also includes space for advertisements and has two lights embedded onto the ceiling of it.
Social media has been divided on the inclusion of USB ports. Some believe that they will be pointless since commuters may not spend much time at the stop, while others feel that they will be stolen or damaged in no time.
What is your view on this? Do drop a note in the comments below. If I ever need to make chutney on the go, I’ll take my USB-powered grinder to a bus stop.
Here are two pictures of earlier designs of MMRDA’s bus stops (known as Bus Q Shelters) that were installed as part of the world-bank funded Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project (MUIP) from the agency’s website.
A recent joke on Whatsapp that I received goes:
Commuter: Humko thoda comfort dede re.
MMRDA: Ye le, bus stop pe USB port.
Let’s hope the USB ports actually serve their purpose while also hoping that MMRDA and BEST come up with better solutions in future.
Also Read: Taking A Break From Traditional Rivalry, BEST And TMT Get New Common Bus Stop At Mulund Station
Also Read: Building a Smart Bus Stop
If you are stepping out, make sure you wear a mask, follow COVID-appropriate behavior and keep your hands sanitised. Omicron is here and the situation is quite scary.
Given the fact that some bus routes have a frequency of more than 30 minutes these days, USB ports might be actually useful 😂
Installing USB Port was really a great initiative. The only thing is they should be functional. Many Buses have USB Ports but they are of no use. A friend of mine charged his fully drained phone onboard a BEST Bus & happily went back home with 60% battery. The power output was mind-blowing.