BEST app launched, Mumbai gets 10 new electric buses

Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday launched BEST’s much-awaited mobile app.

The app will allow commuters to track on-road buses, check the estimated time of arrivals and total travel time with the help of the Vehicle Tracking System fitted on the buses.

The app will also enable commuters to get alerts on bus stops, besides other features like rating the ride and quality of buses.

Mr Thackeray also inaugurated 10 new electric buses — six AC buses and four non-AC buses. The Shiv Sena chief said that the BEST administration should utilise renewable energy sources like solar panels for charging electric buses.

The BEST will add 30 more electric buses in the next couple of months. With the addition of these buses, BEST will be able to launch point-to-point transit service in some parts of the city. In addition, BEST has also planned to expand its fleet to 6000 buses by the end of the first phase.

Surendrakumar Bagde, general manager, BEST, said that the organisation will be inviting tenders for 340 more electric buses in the future.

The BEST has finalised route number 302 for plying these buses. These buses will ferry passengers from Sion to Kurla via LBS Marg. The buses will go through Kamani, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli and Bhandup before terminating at Mulund.