Thursday, 10 September 2026 MUMBAI EDITION LIVE

Mumbai Citizens Seek BEST Revival

Mumbai group flags privatisation concerns, seeks reforms for BEST transport system. Citizens call for transparency and community support.

Mumbai Alert · City Desk
Mumbai Alert · City Desk
City Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Thu, 10 September 2026 at 11:58 am
Mumbai Citizens Seek BEST Revival

A group of concerned citizens in Mumbai is pushing for significant reforms to the city's BEST transport system.

The primary concern of this coalition is that the ongoing trend of privatization and reduction in workforce may compromise the public service commitment of BEST.

The citizens' group has proposed several key reforms to address these concerns.

Firstly, they are advocating for an expansion of the self-operated fleet, which would enable BEST to have greater control over its services.

Additionally, they are calling for the hiring of permanent staff, rather than relying on contractual workers, to ensure a more stable and secure workforce.

Another major concern of the group is the lack of transparency in the redevelopment plans for bus depots.

They are seeking more information on these plans and want to ensure that the interests of the community are taken into account.

The citizens' group believes that BEST is a vital part of Mumbai's civic infrastructure and is seeking community support to save it from privatization.

They argue that as a public service, BEST should prioritize the needs of its citizens over profits.

The BEST transport system has been facing several challenges in recent years, including declining ridership and financial struggles.

Despite these challenges, the system remains a crucial part of Mumbai's transportation network, providing affordable and reliable services to millions of commuters.

The citizens' group is hoping to raise awareness about the importance of preserving BEST as a public service and to build support for their reform proposals.

They believe that with the help of the community, it is possible to revive BEST and ensure that it continues to serve the needs of Mumbai's citizens.

The issue of privatization is a contentious one, with many arguing that it could lead to higher fares and reduced services for commuters.

On the other hand, some argue that privatization could bring in much-needed investment and help to modernize the system.

However, the citizens' group is adamant that any reforms should prioritize the needs of the community and ensure that BEST remains a public service.

They are calling on the authorities to engage with them and to consider their proposals for reform.

In conclusion, the citizens' group is seeking to revive BEST and ensure that it continues to serve the needs of Mumbai's citizens.

Their proposals for reform, including expanding the self-operated fleet and hiring permanent staff, are aimed at preserving BEST as a public service and prioritizing the needs of the community.

Frequently asked questions

What are the concerns of the Mumbai citizens' group regarding BEST?

The group is concerned about privatization and workforce cuts jeopardizing BEST's public service commitment.

What reforms are being proposed by the citizens' group?

The group proposes expanding the self-operated fleet, hiring permanent staff, and seeking transparency in bus depot redevelopment plans.

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