Aaditya Thackeray, the Yuva Sena President (UBT), has strongly criticized the Maharashtra state government for its proposal to increase fares for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus services. Recently, the BMC approved the proposal for a fare hike, which is awaiting a final nod from the competent authority of the state government.
Taking to social media platform X, on Monday Thackeray accused the ruling alliance of neglecting the crucial transportation service, which serves millions of daily commuters in Mumbai.
Thackeray expressed concern over the ongoing deterioration of the BEST bus service, which has long been one of the most affordable and reliable urban bus systems in the country. He specifically targeted the recent proposal to double bus fares, describing it as a significant setback for Mumbaikars who rely on the service for their daily commute.
In his social media post, Thackeray highlighted the alarming reduction in the size of the BEST bus fleet, pointing out that key routes have been discontinued and the number of buses operating across the city has sharply declined. As a result, many commuters are struggling to find affordable and dependable transportation options.
“We cannot tolerate the downfall of BEST any longer,” Thackeray wrote. “The fare hike will have a negative impact, and we strongly oppose it. The number of buses is already limited, and crucial routes have been closed. If fares are increased now, the service will only deteriorate further.”
Thackeray further emphasized that the proposed fare hike would disproportionately affect daily commuters, many of whom are already facing difficulties due to the reduced frequency of buses. He called for urgent reforms within the BEST service, urging the government to prioritize improvements in service quality and expand the fleet.
“We demand an increase in the number of electric buses and ‘Save BEST’, as well as a complete overhaul of the current system to provide better service for Mumbai’s citizens,” Thackeray added in his post.
