According to reports, more than 60 of the aggregate 275 minibuses that run on wet leases by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) stayed off roads in Mumbai on Monday, July 18. This is reported to be because of a strike by a private bus contractor's staff at the Wadala depot which is believed to be over the non-payment of salary and provident fund problems.
Based on accounts, however, the BEST functioned 17 special buses from Wadala to ease the difficulty during the morning peak hours. Further, previously on Sunday, July 17, 48 buses of the same contractor did not function owing to the non-availability of drivers at the Wadala depot. The Sunday strike did not impact commuters as such because it was a weekend.
Narratives have quoted the BEST spokesperson elaborating on how an action will be undertaken against the contractor. They will also be fined INR 5,000 for every bus that did not function. This reportedly comes up to INR 3 lakh.
The BEST has issued a warning to the contractor to solve the salary issue with its workers and see to it that they return to duties.
It has been reported that the BEST ferries more than 30 lakh travellers daily with a fleet of nearly 3,500 buses. This entails buses hired through private contractors on a wet lease basis.
Also Read: Green Mumbai: BEST Commences Modification Work On 350 Bus Stops
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