Tag: Purple Faeries

BEST’s AC Buses To Airport Run Into Trouble With Transport Authority

On 11 October, Aaditya Thackeray flagged off two new routes of the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking. The new routes, while not numbered are point to point services connecting Terminal 2 (T2) of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) with Banda Kurla Complex (BKC) and South Bombay (SoBo) respectively.

Activists claim that the fares are too expensive, which is a separate topic for another day. However, the fare system has run into another form of trouble.

According to a report by the Press Trust of India, the new fares have not been approved by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA). The report states that the BEST committee that approved the fares, but remained mum on whether it had been approved by the MMRTA or not. MMRTA member and Maharashtra Transport Commissioner Avinash Dhakne stated that authority had not received any intimation from BEST on the new fares. The report also added that according to a former member of the Motor Vehicles department, the fare cannot be implemented without a nod from the MMRTA. Another official from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) stated the same.

Fares for regular AC services start at ₹6 for up to 5km, ₹13 for up to 10km and are capped at ₹25. The higher fares for these airport-bound buses did see skepticism on social media.

Apart from social media, the new fares have received flak from corporators in the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) as well. Congress corporator Ravi Raja who also serves on the BEST Committee said that going ahead with the new fare without MMRTA approval was a blunder, remarking that the buses were meant for the ordinary commuter and not the elite class. BJP’s Bhalachandra Shirsat pointed out that under Aaditya Thackeray, BEST was moving in the direction of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC, or ST), which is now facing losses mounting to over ₹6,500 crores (in June 2021) which has in turn resulted in a lack of pay for employees. In the 18 months that the Uddhav Thackeray government has been in power, 27 MSRTC staffers have committed suicide due to financial duress, reports Mid-Day.

Another point of concern is BEST’s focus on SoBo and complete disregard for the suburbs under the current regime. Let us hope BEST cleans up its act soon, lest BEST turns the worst.

Featured Image: BEST’s new Electric Fleet on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

If you intend to step out, whether to board on electric bus or not, please wear a mask, carry sanitizer and maintain social distancing.

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Satire: BEST Makes Use Of Cartoon Physics, Will Float Buses With Helium Balloons To Avoid Traffic Jams

With ever increasing traffic jams on Mumbai’s streets, an under-construction metro network that is nowhere close to fruition, the city’s public transport agencies have come together to draw out solution from their collective hats – that is subject to them having any.

After reaching no conclusion, some officials opened their phones to draw inspiration. Thanks to YouTube’s amazing recommendation engine, they were soon watching videos on Cartoon Physics, after which a solution presented itself.

Officials of the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking have decided that they will tie up helium balloons to buses in order to make them float above traffic.

A trial run was conducted using the Force Motors Smart Citibus fleet on route A-605 in Bhandup.

Officials have stated that the plan to use the mini-buses was due to their small size and weight. One official added that the lack of a conductor inside the bus made it even easier for it to float. Further, since these buses are powered by diesel, it made more sense to use them, as fuel will be saved during the journey.

On being asked how the buses will come down at a bus stop, the official said, “All our conductors have been taught how to fly a kite. When a bus approaches a bus stop where the conductor is waiting, he will throw a rope that will attach itself to the axle of the bus and pull it down. We have also made our conductors watch cowboy movies so they know how to use a lasso.”

On being asked how the driver plans to steer the buses, the official retorted, “Steering wheel hai na” to our correspondent.

Senior officials were unavailable for comment.

This is not the first time BEST has come up with innovative ideas. A year ago, officials decided that they will run their mini-bus fleet inside the tunnels built for Mumbai Metro Line 3, since the depot was not being built. BEST also found a way to use air pollution in the city by pioneering display boards that made use of dust.

Will this plan take BEST buses ‘higher’? We don’t know.

Note: The above article is meant to be humourous.Please don’t register a police complain or send goondas to the writer’s residence.

Featured Image: BEST mini-bus on A-605 via Twitter.

If you are tired of getting stuck on traffic in Mumbai, do check out these stickers by Roads of Mumbai.

Also Read:

Satire: In Absence Of Depot, Metro 3 To Run BEST Buses In Tunnel

After Pioneering Rolling Cloth Destination Boards, BEST Now Switches To Dust-Written Displays

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Nearly Two Years Later, AC Mini Buses Finally Connect Andheri Station With Lokhandwala Complex

Nearly two years after the first batch of AC minibuses hit the roads of Andheri, BEST finally seems to have given in to a long pending demand.

Till now, the two AC buses connecting Lokhandwala Complex to Andheri Station (West) A-266 and A-268, both terminated at Swami Samarth Nagar Circle. While A-266 went via Four Bunglows, A-268 went via Monginis Cake Company. There was no direct AC bus from Lokhandwala Complex to Andheri Station. The only air-conditioned connection from Lokhandwala Complex was A-234 that went to Jogeshwari Bus Station (West).

This was brought to light by our friends at the Andheri Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizen’s Association (ALOCA) via an Instagram Post.

The route change took effect from 1 September 2021, just a fortnight short of the second anniversary of BEST launching these postvans.

I’m not sure about how the fare would work yet though. If the existing non-AC fare is ₹10, then this falls under the second stage and BEST would then be required to have two AC fares as well, which would be a problem with mini-buses. I will update this post as I get more information.

To read more about BEST’s single-stage operations using conductor-less buses, do read Explained: Why There Is No Direct AC Bus From Versova-Yari Road To Andheri Station.

To read more about my thoughts on conductor-less buses from 2015, do read Conductor-less buses: A boon or a bane?

Here’s a shoutout to our friends at ALOCA, do follow them on Twitter: @AndheriLOCA and Instagram: @andheri_loca.

Featured Image: A-266 at Andheri Station (West), clicked in December 2019 by me.

Till then, take care, stay safe, and take proper precautions while stepping out:

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BEST’s New Full Length AC Electric Buses Are On The Road And They Look Fabulous

Nearly four years after it got is first batch of electric buses (Goldstone non-AC buses at the Backbay Depot), the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking last week (7 August, BEST Divas), rolled out its latest buses. Full length, electric, air-conditioned buses are finally here as part of the fleet.

BEST has been experimenting with several buses over the last four years, particularly in the air-conditioned fleet. Today the fleet consists of Tata Starbus Diesel-Hybrid full-length buses, Force Smart Citibus Diesel mini-buses, Tata Marcopolo CNG midi-buses, Tata Ultra Electric Midi-buses, Olectra electric Midi-buses and now Tata Ultra Electric full-length buses.

The new lot of buses will be attached to the Backbay Depot in South Bombay and Dharavi Depot in mid-town. Two buses were flagged off on 6th August. The routes are A-115 from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to NCPA via Churchgate and A-116 from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to NCPA via the Reserve Bank of India and Museum (Dr Shyamaprasad Mookherjee Chowk).

Here are a few pictures of the buses:

Here is an older picture of the buses being transported from Tata Motors’ factory in Hubli, Karnataka.

Here’s to an electrifying future for BEST!

I’d like to thank Rupak Dhakate, Gandharva Purohit, and Vishal Naik for their inputs.

If you intend to step out please wear a mask, carry sanitizer and maintain social distancing.

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No, Oshiwara Depot Is Not Shutting Down

A recent rumour has been spreading that the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking is shutting down its Oshiwara Depot on 1 August 2021.

The rumour was started by a group called Aapli BEST (आपली बेस्ट आपल्याचसाठी) on Facebook. In a series of tweets, they shared the same fake news, which was soon shared by several bus fans on both Instagram and Whatsapp stories. Below is a screenshot of one such story.

Fake News spread by Aapli Best on Oshiwara Depot shutting down
Fake News spread by Aapli Best on Oshiwara Depot shutting down

The post makes allegations that according to information received from “sources”, the Oshiwara Depot will shut on 1 August 2021 and the routes from the depot will be handled by the adjacent Goregaon Depot. It then says that staff from Oshiwara too will be transferred to Goregaon and that discussions between the undertaking’s administration and staff happened over the last few days. It then goes on to say that the sudden decision left the workers at BEST in a panic and that the reason behind BEST’s decision was not certain. The post then makes the allegation that BEST employees have reported that the land was sold to the builder lobby before completely changing topic to talking about private buses. It then says BEST has already got private buses and private staffers (buses on a wet lease) before asking the undertaking if it planned on completely privatising the service. The post ended with the question asking if the alleged closure of the Oshiwara depot was not a precursor to complete privatisaion.

The entire post makes little no sense. As a former journalist, one thing I have learned over the last few years is, never rely on any report that directly says “sources”. Two, if BEST was intending on privatising itself, why would land for the Depot be sold? Wouldn’t the private player also require the depot land to maintain and operate buses?

BEST put all doubts to rest by responding to the tweets, stating that the information being spread was incorrect.

So no. Oshiwara Depot is not being shut down. BEST has clarified this.

Featured image: Goregaon and Oshiwara Depot at night by Ravi Ahlawat (Google Maps)

Thanks to Rupak Dhakate and Yash Mhadgut for their inputs.

If you intend to step out please wear a mask, carry sanitizer and maintain social distancing.

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BEST’s New AC Electric Midis Are Here

While BEST has consistently stuck to one design for their AC minibus fleet, the Force Motors Smart Citibus, their midibus fleet has a lot more variations. The first to enter the fleet were the BYD/Olectra electric buses, both in an AC and non-AC versions, attached to the Backbay and Kalakilla depots. The second was the CNG-powered Tata Marcopolo which was originally attached to the Mumbai Central Depot and later also reached the Deonar and Magathane depots.

Now, BEST has gone and got itself a new set of midibuses, this time electric once again. The bus this time is from Tata Motors, and is the Tata Marcopolo Starbus Ultra 9m Electric city bus. According to Tata Motors the bus is Bharat Stage VI compliant (although I don’t understand why emission standards would apply to an electric vehicle) and features a top speed of 75 km/hr with a range of 150 km under ideal conditions and a charging time of 2 to 2.5 hours with fast charging.

The bus also has an automated wheelchair ramp for the disabled. The last time BEST buses had such a feature was in the original Tata Starbus fleet that was inducted in 2004-2005 (which were later used on the Fort Pheri routes) although these were manually operated.

You can check out some images here. The bus, like the other midibuses, features a USB charging socket under the seat. It was flagged off by (sadly) Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray.

These buses are also on Wet Lease like the other ones, and owned by Tata Motors Limited (marked with TML on the front and the back). They’re currently attached to the Backbay Depot and run on at least one route: A-25 from Backbay Depot to Rani Laxmi Chowk (Sion).

That’s all from me for now. BEST’s new EVs look really cool!

For my first impressions of BEST’s earlier Midi and Mini-buses, do check out the following:

A Quick Review Of BEST’s Midi-Buses

BEST’s New AC Buses Are A Delight To Travel On

Also, if you’re interested in EVs as a career choice; Did You Know CoEP Has A PG Diploma In Metro Rail Tech And Electric Mobility?

Whether you’re travelling in an electric bus, a diesel bus or a CNG powered bus, don’t forget to take the basic precautions when you step out. Do wear a mask, and carry sanitizer with you.

           

Featured Image: BEST A-25 from Backbay Depot to Rani Laxmi Chowk (Sion) (Vishal/Twitter)

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A Sneak Peak Of Wadala Depot And Its Red Minis From Above

BEST’s Wadala Depot, located at the border of Wadala (West) and Dadar (East) is among their oldest ones. It is also the depot where people need to go to get their spare change returned.

The depot is home to several types of buses, including the converted non-AC Cerita fleet and also the mini-bus fleet belonging to MP Enterprises (MPE).

Have you ever wondered what the Wadala Depot looks like from above? Or at least partially? Look no further, well, actually a little further.

While the image captures most of the areas south of the depot, you can see the tail end of the depot, with its buses and the minis visible.

This image was clicked by Akshay Mane; you can follow Akshay on Instagram here: @mane_aky.

That’s all from me for now. Featured image: Wadala Depot by Suyash Padekar on Google Earth.

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This Is What Worli Depot Looks Like From Above (You Can Charge Electric Vehicles Here Too!)

One of the most under-rated depots under BEST is the Worli depot. It has till date never been home to any air-conditioned buses, although it sheltered the Cerita fleet during the day.

Prior to their cancellation in 2017, there were several buses operated by BEST that terminated at the National Sports Centre of India (NSCI)/Nehru Planetarium/Lotus bus stop at Worli. Originally running till Colaba Depot, they were truncated due to lack of takers. Among these were AS-2 running from Mira Road Station (East), belonging to the Magathane Depot, AS-592 from Kopar Khairane that belonged to the Deonar Depot, A-74 Express of the Oshiwara Depot that took the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, A-75 Express of the Majas Depot coming from Hiranandani Powai and A-76 Express from Gorai Depot that also took the Sea Link. While none of these buses belonged to the Worli Depot, they used to be parked at Worli during the day time. This is because most of them had a schedule where they would leave from their origin point in the morning and leave from Worli only in the evening. Few buses would have a modified route terminating at their home depots instead of their starting points during noon and would return from these depots to Worli in the early afternoon.

Now the Worli depot is also unique in its layout. There are actually two depots separated by Sasmira Marg. While the eastern half of the depot flanks Dr Narayan Hardikar Marg, its entrance is still on Sasmira Marg facing the entrance to the western half.

Latest photographs of the Depot show that it now hosts a few mini-buses, double deckers and also is a charging point for electric vehicles, not just cars.

Also Read: Switching To Electric Cars By 2030: What India Needs To Do

Anyway, getting back to the Worli Depot, here is a fantastic aerial snap of the depot clicked by Kinshuk (@pixels.of.perception on Instagram), using a drone.

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The sound we hear these days on the streets of Mumbai most frequently is the hustling and bustling sound of the BEST buses 😍 Applaud and salute to the spirit of the relentless employees of the BEST who are working day in and out to help essential service provider and frontline workers reach their destination 👏🙌🏼 – 📍 Worli Depot / Worli Aagaar – #mymumbai 🧡 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ #PerspectivePixels #mypixeldiary #_soi #_soimumbai #indiapictures #itz_mumbai #Fromwhereidrone #Drone #aerial #maharashtra #lockdown #lockdown2020 #pandemic #mumbaipolice #BEST #coronawarriors #respect #salute #pattern #symmetry #nustaharamkhor #maibhisadakchap #whatkarlloves #quarantine #quarantineactivities #stayhome #staysafe

A post shared by Kinshuk 📍Mumbai | India (@pixels.of.perception) on

While this picture only captures the Eastern half of the depot, it still is an amazing shot. You can also see a few vehicles belonging to BEST’s Electricity Department on the bottom left hand corner of the image. There are generally cable-inspection and repair vans.

Do follow Kinshuk on Instagram here: Kinshuk 📍Mumbai | India

Anyway, here is a picture of the Mini-buses parked at the Worli Depot taken at 6am in the morning. You can also see a double-decker parked inside.

Mini-buses inside Worli Depot (Photo Credit: Mahesh Sakhalkar for BESTpedia)
Mini-buses inside Worli Depot (Photo Credit: Mahesh Sakhalkar for BESTpedia)

And here is the entrance to the bus depot with a board that designates it as a charging point with the rate of ₹8.25/unit mentioned.

The entrance to Worli Depot charging station (Picture: Mahesh Sakhalkar for BESTpedia)
The entrance to Worli Depot charging station (Picture: Mahesh Sakhalkar for BESTpedia)

Featured image: Entrance to Worli Depot by Mahesh Sakhalkar.

This depot also allows you to charge your electric vehicles!

A special thanks to Mahesh for clicking these amazing photographs for me. Also, don’t forget to share, comment and if you can support me on Patreon.

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Another Breathtaking View Of Oshiwara Depot And Its Mini-Buses

Almost a month ago, I had posted an image of Oshiwara Depot along with a fabulous view of its mini-bus fleet that was clicked by singer Abhijeet Sawant.

That was not the last time we were to get a snap of the Oshiwara depot from the same photographer. Much like I posted a photograph of Colaba depot and Electric House only to post a second one a mere two days later.

Here is the picture. This was also clicked during Sunset, much like the last one, albeit a little later. A slightly wider photograph, this one includes the entire Oshiwara Depot, as well as the Goregaon Depot adjacent to it. You can also see the depot floor is wet after the rainfall from Cyclone Nisarga.

Another pic of those mini-cuties at Oshiwara.

Oh, and talking of Cyclone Nisarga, you did read our report on what it did, right?

Do consider supporting me on Patreon:

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Featured Image: Oshiwara Depot by Vinayak Adarkar from Mapio.

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Cyclone Nisarga What? Here Are Visuals From Mumbai’s Brand New World-Class Aquarium

In December last year when Maharashtra saw a political coup, resulting in a mix-and-match coalition government coming to power, the newly throned chief minister announced plans to build a grand, “world-class” multi-level aquarium. Just over six months later with Cyclone Nisarga having crossed the city, here are some stunning visuals of the new aquarium.

Without wasting time, the government run by the Best CM (not BEST CM) has gone ahead and quietly implemented the aquarium at King’s Circle near Matunga. Below are some pictures from news agencies Asian News International (ANI) and Free Press Journal (FPJ). You can click on the indiviudal images to see more.

As pointed out on Twitter by Karthik, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has managed to build the aquarium on the first day of rains!

While the fish are not immediately visible due to vehicles, they will slowly find their way, along with other creatures including worms, snakes, prawns and shrimp (after being washed from markets). The largest creature currently in these waters is BEST’s Aqua Faeries; as seen in the above pictures (not to be confused with the earlier Purple Faeries).

Apart from this, the government has also implemented a new waterfall system in the city, although it is linked with the sewerage system. You can catch it in action here:

Ever since the 2005 floods, political parties in Maharashtra have promised to turn the city into Singapore or Shanghai. Sadly, this year, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, Mumbai became Wuhan while Maharashtra became Hubei. However, on a regular basis, the city turns into Venice every year during the monsoons.

Mumbaikars have got their aquarium. Now, let’s wait for the metro.

Also Read: Satire: BEST To Capitalise On CM’s New-Found Fame, Will Feature His Face On All New Buses

Also Read: Satire: In Absence Of Depot, Metro 3 To Run BEST Buses In Tunnel

Note: The above article is meant to be humourous. Please don’t register a police complain or send goondas to the writer’s residence.

Or, as Karthik puts it, PS: Satire alert⚠️🚨. Not to be taken seriously unless you are a BMC official.😅😅

Featured Image: Fishtank by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.

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