MUMBAI: Expansion of bus services on the Eastern Freeway and the induction of 150 additional electric double-decker buses emerged as key focus areas during a joint meeting between the BEST Committee and commuter advocacy group Aapli BEST Aaplyachsathi (ABA), amid renewed efforts to improve connectivity, increase ridership and strengthen the city’s public transport network.At the meeting chaired by BEST committee chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao, passenger representatives urged the undertaking to make greater use of the Eastern Freeway for rapid bus services connecting eastern suburbs, South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.The group proposed extending routes A-502 and A-504 up to Wadala Depot and introducing more high-speed services linking Ghatkopar and other eastern suburbs through the freeway corridor.Rupesh Shelatkar from ABA called for enhanced bus connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai through the Atal Setu, arguing that faster and more direct services could attract private vehicle users to public transport and significantly reduce travel time.The meeting also touched upon issues of route planning, staff shortages and dependence on wet-leased buses.Vishwasrao directed officials to examine the commuter group’s recommendations and expedite implementation wherever feasible, stating that passenger feedback would be crucial in building a modern, efficient and commuter-centric BEST system.A major part of the discussion revolved around Mumbai’s electric double-decker buses.Providing an update on fleet expansion, BEST General Manager Sonia Sethi said the undertaking has already received 50 electric double-decker buses, all of which are currently in service.However, delivery of the remaining 150 buses has been delayed due to a technical issue related to contract conditions.
