Bus services on freeway drive up BEST revenue

MUMBAI: The BEST's decision to run two services via Eastern Freeway has been a success and has helped the cash-strapped undertaking mop up revenue. The two non-AC bus services, which were launched on July 1, have earned BEST nearly Rs 82,000 from 6,200 passengers so far.
While one service, C-8, runs from Mantralaya to Shivaji Nagar in Govandi, the other service, C-50, plies between World Trade Centre in Cuffe Parade and Vashi.
BEST public relations officer A S Tamboli said, "For the C-50 service, the average per day earning was Rs 2,700 from 183 passengers. In case of C-8 service, we earned an average of Rs 2,775 from 233 passengers daily. "
The minimum fare for these fast-track services is Rs 7. The maximum fare for C-50 service is Rs 34 and Rs 29 for the C-8 service.
The administration runs four services each on the C-50 and C-8 routes. "We may increase the frequency of these two services if there's demand," said Tamboli.
"The services are popular because they take at least 40 minutes less to reach their destination," said a BEST official.
Vashi commuter Anshul Pande said, "I prefer this service to rail transport as t he rail traffic on harbour line can get disrupted any time during heavy rains.
Chembur Rashmi Shah said, "I don't have to worry about bus getting stuck on water logged roads as Eastern Freeway is elevated corridor."
C-8 (Mantralaya to Shivaji Nagar in Chembur)
Route: Hutatma Chowk, CST, Crawford Market, Carnac Bunder, Eastern Freeway, R K Studio, Maitri Park, Dr Ambedkar Garden
Maximum fare: Rs 29
Departure: 8.30am and 9am (Shivaji Nagar); 5.30pm and 6pm (Mantralaya)
Cumulative average earning since July 1: Rs 41,625
Cumulative average passenger count: 3,495
C-50 (World Trade Centre in Cuffe Parade to Vashi)
Route: Churchgate, GPO, Carnac Bunder, Eastern Freeway, Deonar depot, Mankhurd railway station
Maximum fare: Rs 34
Timings: 8.30am and 9am (Vashi); 5.45pm and 6.15pm (WTC)
Cumulative average earning since July 1: Rs 40,500
Cumulative average passenger count: 2,745