Commuters waiting for A 115 number bus at SBI bus Stop near Mantralaya | File Photo
Mumbai: Commuters in Mumbai are facing longer wait times and overcrowded buses as the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) struggles to maintain its schedules amid worsening traffic congestion. The reduction in bus frequency on key routes has led to frustration among daily passengers, who are urging authorities to take immediate action.
Traffic Congestion Disrupts Bus Services
BEST officials have attributed the delays to severe traffic congestion, particularly in South Mumbai. The ongoing Assembly session has resulted in heavy traffic between Badhwar Park and Mantralaya, affecting buses heading toward Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Key junctions, including the Eros Cinema-Churchgate route and Rajguru Chowk near Mantralaya, have been completely gridlocked, further compounding the issue.
“Due to the current Assembly session, there is a traffic jam between Badhwar Park and Mantralaya. As a result, buses heading to CSMT are running late. Additionally, congestion near Churchgate and Mantralaya is affecting schedules. Traffic police and bus inspectors are actively working to ensure smooth operations,” said a BEST official.
115 Route Hit Hard, Commuters Frustrated
Passengers traveling on the 115 bus route, which operates between CSMT and NCPA, have been facing significant delays in recent weeks. Despite a scheduled frequency of every three minutes, the service has become highly inconsistent, with commuters reporting extended wait times, especially in the afternoons.
“The waiting time for buses has increased significantly on several routes, especially in the afternoon. At CSMT, we are forced to wait for up to 15 minutes for the 115 bus,” said Sudhanshu Trivedi, a 35-year-old accountant and resident of Mulund.
The A- 115 route catering to thousands of passengers daily. However, the erratic frequency has led to overcrowded buses, making travel uncomfortable and inconvenient.
Other Key Routes Also Affected
The decline in bus frequency is not limited to the 115 route. Commuters on routes A-100 and 111 have also reported a reduction in bus services. Currently, only six buses are operating on route A-100, completing approximately 169 trips per day with a frequency of five minutes. The route serves around 3,500 passengers daily, making the shortage of buses a major concern.
Mumbai’s BEST bus fleet comprises 2,673 buses operating across more than 400 routes, carrying nearly three million passengers daily. However, with rising demand and increasing congestion, maintaining punctuality has become a challenge.
Taxis Not a Reliable Alternative
While taxis are available along these routes, many commuters consider them an unreliable option due to high fares and drivers’ reluctance to accept short-distance passengers. This has further increased dependence on buses, worsening the congestion issue.
Passengers Demand Immediate Action
With the situation worsening, commuters are urging BEST to deploy additional buses and improve frequency, especially during peak hours, to ease congestion and reduce waiting times. Sudhir Kamble ( 45) a frequent commuter of route number A- 115 believe that increasing the number of buses on heavily used routes is the only way to address the growing problem.
