Mumbai News: BEST Proposes To Lead Integrated Bus System Across MMR Under New Task Force Plan

In a bold move to streamline public transportation across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has proposed to take the lead in developing an integrated bus system. The proposal was mooted  by BEST General Manager SVR Srinivas at a recent meeting of a newly-formed task force.

When asked how BEST, which is struggling with a reduced number of buses and is unable to fully meet Mumbai's transport needs, could lead the entire MMR’s transport system, Srinivas said, “By reducing duplication and boosting operational efficiency, BEST can lead the integrated bus system in the MMR.”

The proposal follows the state government's June 10 Government Resolution (GR), issued by the Urban Development Department, establishing a 12-member task force to craft a comprehensive transport integration plan for the MMR . Headed by Srinivas, the task force includes key officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Traffic Police Department and the municipal corporations of Thane, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, among others.

The committee, formed under the Growth Hub Governing Board, has been tasked with creating a unified ticketing system and developing a region-wide, integrated bus transport strategy. Currently, MMR lacks a central transport authority, resulting in fragmented services and overlapping routes run by different civic agencies.

"The integrated plan is part of the larger Growth Hubs (G-HUB) initiative led by NITI Aayog, which identifies MMR as one of four pilot regions aimed at accelerating economic development through infrastructure upgrades, investment promotion, startup support, and job creation." said an official.

As part of the integration strategy, BEST has proposed operating primary bus services on major arterial routes across the MMR, while local municipal operators would manage feeder services in suburban areas. Officials say the current system, where multiple transport bodies run parallel routes, leads to duplication, inefficiencies, and commuter confusion.

“Streamlining routes will not only eliminate overlap but also ensure a more reliable and accessible transport system for commuters,” an official involved in the planning said.

However, BEST itself is grappling with operational issues, including a shrinking fleet. The number of buses currently in service has dropped to under 2,700, with over 83% operated through wet lease arrangements.

Despite the challenges, the proposal is seen as a significant step toward a long-awaited regional integration of public transport. While discussions are ongoing, officials believe the concept is feasible and could transform daily commuting for millions across the region.

“The goal is not merely consolidation, but the creation of an efficient, commuter-centric public transport network,” said an official.

Frequent commuters have welcomed the move, but with certain caveats. Ramesh Jain, a daily train commuter from Balapur, said, “It’s a good proposal. If BEST starts  direct bus services in entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region ( MMR) , it will give people another reliable option. But it must come with a concrete operational plan, especially with dedicated point-to-point buses during peak hours in the morning and evening.”

Ragini Sharma from Virar echoed similar sentiments, saying, “If there are enough buses and services are run between prominent points in MMR, the proposal will surely succeed. But BEST must also focus on controlling travel time. For that, provisions like dedicated bus priority lanes should be implemented.”

Transport experts have also expressed support for the initiative but stressed the need for better planning, transparency, and inter-agency coordination.

AV Shenoy, co-founder of the Mumbai Mobility Forum, said, “This proposal is promising. It could lead to better coordination among different transport agencies across MMR, and allow for effective use of depots and fleets. It may also enable fare rationalization and seamless travel through a Common Mobility Card.”

Transport expert Mohammed Afzal called it a long-overdue reform. “An integrated bus system for the region is essential. But it will only succeed if BEST enhances its internal capacity, collaborates with local transport bodies, and includes citizens in the planning. The focus should be on people-first transport, not bureaucratic control.”

Rishi Agarwal, a noted transport researcher said, "an integrated regional bus system is an excellent idea and has been mooted in the past as well. But first Srinivas will have to present a white paper on BEST finances. How will the Rs. 10,000 crore accumulated losses be wiped out? How will the new ambitious regional bus plan be financed? Operational inefficiency is quite low compared to the financial neglect that BEST has seen. For now if we can restore BEST services to former glory that will be a big step"

However, not everyone is convinced. Veteran journalist and transport expert Vidyadhar Date expressed skepticism, saying, “They’ve been making announcements for years without any real action. The situation is now critical. The entire system needs to be overhauled. The government has lost credibility.”

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