BEST plans 10 new routes in Thane, Navi Mumbai

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking plans to operate 51 additional buses to 10 new destinations covering Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mira-Bhayander

BEST plans 10 new routes in Thane, Navi Mumbai

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking plans to operate 51 additional buses to 10 new destinations covering Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mira-Bhayander, reports the DNA.

The proposed scheme has been submitted to the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) formed for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). "We are waiting for its approval after which we will be able to formally introduce buses to these destinations," said Uttam Khobragade, general manager, BEST.

At the RTA meeting on February 7 it was proposed that the various transport undertakings -- BEST, Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT), Thane Municipal Transport (TMT), Mira-Bhayander Municipal Transport (MBMT), Kalyan Dombivili Municipal Transport (KDMT), Khopoli Municipal Transport --should be able to operate in each others areas as also in the entire MMR.

At this meeting, geographical limitations were relaxed through a resolution giving commuters more choice.

BEST is waiting for its funding from the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission approved by the Centre. Under this scheme 700 buses have been approved of 1,000 proposed to be run on the city roads. Of these 140 will be low-floor, fully air-conditioned buses, Khobragade said.

Currently, the respective transport undertakings are charged 3.5% passenger tax for going 20km beyond their municipal limits. The undertaking is hoping to get relaxation from this tax to enable better operations across the MMR.

When asked whether there would be any bifurcations on the routes to be used by TMT or even NMMT, Khobragade said, "There will be special routes but some could be common. Commuters will get the option of selecting whether they want to travel on BEST bus or buses operated by other undertakings."

The undertaking also proposes to provide new route numerical to the existing patterns operating beyond the city limits for the convenience of the passengers.

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