MUMBAI: The city will get 500 brand new buses soon as files have been expedited by new BEST general manager Lokesh Chandra, who took charge last Friday.
Officials said there is a need for more buses on the road to reduce the wait time of passengers.
The reopening of private offices and other workplaces from Monday had resulted in an increase of 2 lakh commuters in a day and many were frustrated waiting for buses in long queues in Sion and other areas.
Officials said that the new buses include 400 AC mini buses, which are being procured in two lots of 200 each on wet lease from a private operator.
An additional 100 electric AC buses are being procured, sources said.
BEST committee member Babban Kanavje from NCP said that the first lot of 200 AC Mini buses should have arrived in April.
“This could have reduced the queues at bus stops on Monday.
I am glad that files are expedited and 400 AC Mini buses will hit the roads soon,” he stated.