MUMBAI: BEST on Wednesday announced that it will launch 100 buses as ‘ladies specials’ on Saturday on the occasion of Bhau Beej.
The plan was suggested by chief minister Uddhav Thackeray who wanted to give a gift to women on the occasion of Bhau Beej by ensuring safe and comfortable travel for them, a senior official said. Nearly 90% of these buses will be AC electric while the rest will be the brand new non-AC CNG buses, sources said.
BEST general manager Lokesh Chandra said that 100 buses will operate on 70 routes from 27 bus depots across the city in the morning and evening. “We have chosen routes on which buses are crowded and women’s special buses will come as a relief to office-goers and other women waiting in a long bus queues during peak hours,” he said.
The number of women-only buses will now go up to 137, with the fleet already having 37 ladies special buses. “Based on demand, we will increase trips or routes for women’s special buses,” Chandra added.
The buses will be going to any route which is in demand and crowded during peak hours, not just office routes.
