According to a latest data revealed by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) on Tuesday, March 15, the ridership has finally touched the 30 lakh mark in Mumbai. With this, it has come to light that, the BEST is just 6 per cent short of the pre-COVID ridership of 32 lakhs.
It would not be imprecise to say that the city has also bounced back after a month-long lull during the third wave of coronavirus.
Besides, hundreds of buses are now being run packed with commuters every day due to minimal COVID-19 restrictions in place across the state and city, said officials.
In the case of BEST, there has been a rise of over seven lakh riders in nearly two months.
Moreover, this was an indicator of more Mumbaikars opting for the “road lifeline” to commute to work or travel for other purposes. However, since a few months, the suburban trains are also crowded during peak hours. As per officials, this too has added to the BEST ridership on feeder routes just outside stations.
Now, the transport body expects to cross the pre-COVID figures of 32 lakhs soon.
The BEST, which now runs a fleet of over 3,400 buses, has encouraged more passengers to go for digital tickets, with nearly seven lakh purchasing tickets and passes on the new Chalo app.
Additionally, BEST is expecting its new CNG buses to be added to the fleet this month, and this will cater to more riders.
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