Mumbai's public transport is the lifeline of the city, the local trains, the metro and the busses, make travelling in the vast city easier & comfortable. Yet with the global climate shift and the increasing pollution in the city, there is always a need to find a more modernised existing public transport system to incorporate more sustainable and eco friendly vehicles in its fleet. The public transport system to don the cloak of sustainability this time around is the BEST busses.
BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) is gearing up to add 300 electric busses to its existing fleet with an eye towards environment conservation and a greener footprint.
What's the update?
The public transport section of Mumbai is up for a major revamping. Iconic red BEST busses of Mumbai will see an addition of 300 electric vehicles in their fleet, these are being wet-leased by the committee in accordance with Indian government's FAME-2 (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles).
In a bid to make a greener footprint and ensure sustainability in the transportation system BEST will be wet-leasing 140 AC single-decker busses and 160 AC mini busses. According to a report by The Indian Express, this contract has been awarded to Tata for a sum of ₹1,259 crores. Another interesting fact is that BEST will not be purchasing any new busses but will only be leasing these 300, which are said to be operated by a third party.
Women in the forefront
Another interesting feature about these busses will be the fact that the preference to operate these busses will be given to women drivers. BEST has clarified that if two people are up for the driver's position, the preference will be given to the woman candidate.
Which means that we will not only see a whole new fleet of electric busses in the city but a fleet of electric busses driven by women!
Knock Knock
The initiative to introduce new busses is a laud-worthy one. The new busses will not only make for a greener public transport option but will also enable women empowerment. We cannot wait to see these busses plying on the streets of Mumbai.
