Lockdown! For now, this is the scariest word in my life. But what should we do this is the only solution to deal with this pandemic primarily. It feels like I locked up for 3 months. The worst part of this lockdown is office staff cutting. Company firing their employees temporarily or permanently. People are going back to their home town. I also lose my job and need to find another job.
After 3 months’ lockdown over. However, few restrictions
were there. 7 May 2020, Ting! The morning I got a notification that my CV
shortlisted for an interview. My interview was scheduled for that day at 2 pm
in Malad. I am aware this Malad is 16 km far from my Place and for reaching
there I have no vehicle. I was totally dependent on public transport. But here
the twist Government made an available train for government employees. How can
I travel 16 km? By cab, it incurred me approx 600rs and for me, this is too
much. I lose my hope. Then I realised I can go there by BEST bus in just around
40rs. Refiled with hope I wore a mask and step out for an interview.
Reached the bus stop there was a very long Queue for
catching the bus. I joined the Queue and waiting for my turn. I saw there are
many persons like me going for their job or applying for a job.
I don't know how many times I am thanking the BEST bus for
saving many people job and money.
I wonder that How BEST bus become the best bus for Mumbai
city?
Who Started Bus Service in India? What is the rich history
of the BEST bus?
I just open the phone and start finding my answers.
Did You know?
Mumbai was the first one who started a bus service in India.
How bus service Started?
As we know every innovation starts with an idea. In 1865
American company forwarded his idea of the mass public transport system. Which
was a horse-drawn tramway but it was never realized due to the prevailing
economic depression in the city.
After 8 years in 1873, a contract entered into between
Bombay tramway company, the municipality and Stearns and Kittredge company.
under which they get a license to run horsecar tramway service in the city. on
May 1874, the First horse-drawn tram made its debut in the city.
In 1899, Bombay tramway company applied for electricity
operated trams. After 5 years in 1904, the British electric transaction company
applied for a license to supply electricity to the city. On 31st July 1905
Bombay tramway company (BTC) sign the license and they formed Bombay Electric
supply & Tramway (BEST). Later that year they debuted in 1907, First
Electric tram in the City.
Due to the high accident rate happen because of the tram.
company Pondering over starting a motorized bus service. After a year of debate
company finally, run on 15 July 1926 first bus in Bombay between the afghan
church and the Crawford market.
the people of Bombay received the bus with enthusiasm
despite stiff opposition and protests by taxi drivers. the service ran without
a hitch. transporting 6,00,000 passengers by the end of that year.
Further Expansion
7th August 1947, BMC acquired all the operation of tramways
distribution of electricity in the city of Bombay. Corporation also took over
the operation of the bus service, which was run by the Bombay electric supply
& transport company. Thus, Bombay Electric supply & tramways company
was Renamed "Bombay Electric Supply & Transport."(BEST)
In 1995, with the renaming of the city from Bombay to Mumbai
the organization was again renamed "Brihanmumbai Electric Supply &
Transport" (BEST)
Mumbai and BEST bus
BEST has been an exemplary part of life in Mumbai. The red double-decker buses are one of the defining characteristics of the city. When BEST decided to do away with the double-deckers for operational reasons recently, public protests and sentiment forced it to continue with the service. A move to colour all its buses saffron from red in 1997 also drew in criticism, resulting in the red colour being retained. Bus drivers and conductors have come in for praise in the media for their service during the 2005 Mumbai floods when they ensured that all the stranded passengers were dropped safely to their respective destinations.
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