BEST wakes up to importance of having safer bus stops in Mumbai

Waking up to the importance of improving safety standards at its bus stops across the city for those travelling by buses late night, especially women, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) have decided to conduct a survey of bus stops and upgrade safety measures wherever necessary.

Officials of the BEST administration have decided to identify bus stops in the city and suburbs that are in a dilapidated condition and upgrade them.u00a0A BEST official said, "At several locations these bus stops are nothing but metal poles erected in a corner or below a tree, with minimum lighting arrangement.

We are now looking at improving safety standards at such bus stops." A detailed report of the bus stops where commuters' safety is at stake would be compiled and referred to while upgrading them. BEST spokesperson A Tamboli said, "We will be identifying bus stops that need upgradation and improvement of safety standards by March 31."

One of the several bus stops in the city that lack shelter and seating facility for commuters. File pic

Complaints galore
BEST officials said they have been receiving complaints from commuters on a regular basis about bus stops being encroached by hawkers, who use them as warehouses, and anti-social elements, thus risking their commute. Complaints were also made about the overgrown trees that cover the bus stops.

While the BEST administration introduced three of the five additional ladies special buses last week, the fourth one will be introduced today. The fifth would be introduced soon. BEST Committee Member Dilip Patel said, "There is a need to enhance security and safety of women passengers, especially after the Delhi gang rape incident. We have also installed CCTVs inside these buses." Currently, the BEST operates 53 ladies special buses, excluding the recently introduced services, which run on 46 different routes in the city. u00a0