BEST on strike

BEST buses that serve as a lifeline for thousands of commuters in Mumbai went on strike today. When I got to know about it, I was happy that there would be less traffic on roads. As far as my selfish interest is concerned, I’m least bothered if BEST buses are running or not except for the traffic they create on roads.

But unfortunately my happiness was short lived. After riding for 3-4 Kms I got immense traffic. There were lot of four wheelers on road. The areas where there wasn’t used to be traffic also seemed to be very busy. Through out my way the roads were busy.

The consequences of the strike to “aam janta” are:
Children were dropped to schools by their parents; the husbands escorted the wives, 3-4 people went together in the car. Private busses and ST busses took the advantage of this opportunity and started offering commuting services. Auto rickshaws and taxis would have done good business. Local trains are going jam-packed.

It creates Havoc.

It’s really sad for a lot of people who don’t have an economical alternative than BEST busses. I’m sure the evening will be horrible for the commuters.

It’s not easy to match or substitute the organised and in line network and services of BEST.