Citizens and experts rally to save Mumbai’s BEST buses from privatisation pitfalls

A gathering of experts, activists, and concerned citizens convened at the Mumbai Press Club on November 8, 2024, to voice strong concerns over the state of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus service, Mumbai’s iconic public transport system. The event, organised by the Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST (AMAB) movement, focused on the ongoing challenges faced by BEST, especially since the privatisation of the city’s bus fleet.

Key speakers, including writer Murzban Shroff, public health expert Dr. Amar Jesani, and workers’ union leader Ranga Satavse, condemned the controversial wet-lease model under which private contractors lease buses to BEST. According to the speakers, this system has resulted in severe declines in the quality and availability of buses, inadequate maintenance, and overexploitation of workers.

Ranga Satavse, a prominent union representative for BEST workers, emphasised that privatisation, underpinned by the wet-lease system, has exacerbated issues like the increasing number of bus breakdowns, a lack of replacement parts, and poor working conditions. As per a report of the Free Press Journal, he noted that the increasing reliance on private contractors has led to rising costs for BEST and decreased reliability for commuters. 

The advocacy group has been vocal about the negative impacts of privatisation, and at this gathering, they reiterated their calls for urgent reforms to restore public accountability and service quality. Their demands include subsidising the BEST service as part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) budget, a significant increase in the fleet size to at least 6,000 buses, and a halt to the monetisation of essential land holdings like the BEST depots.

AMAB’s key demands and proposed reforms

The AMAB movement, which has been raising awareness on this issue for some time, laid out a detailed list of demands aimed at reversing the negative impacts of privatisation and revitalising the public transport system for the benefit of all Mumbaikars. These demands are both practical and long-term, designed to address systemic issues in the transport sector.

1. Subsidisation and full public ownership of the fleet: AMAB advocates for the full integration of BEST’s budget with the BMC budget to ensure stable, long-term funding for public transport. By subsiding the service directly through public funds, AMAB argues that BEST can become more sustainable and be freed from the financial pressures of privatisation. The group also stressed that the entire bus fleet should be publicly owned to avoid the problems caused by the exploitation of workers under private contractors.
2. Restoration of the public fleet: One of the key issues addressed at the conference was the drastic reduction in the number of public buses. AMAB demanded that the fleet be restored to its former strength of over 4,000 buses, stating that the current fleet of about 3,000 buses, which includes wet-lease vehicles, is inadequate to meet the needs of Mumbai’s growing population. With public buses disappearing, the movement insists that the city’s transport infrastructure must revert to a publicly owned model to ensure reliability, safety, and affordability for all.
3. Increase in bus numbers to serve the growing population: AMAB highlighted the growing gap between the number of buses and the city’s expanding population. Currently, the city has roughly one bus per 5,000 residents, compared to the ideal ratio of one bus per 2,000 people. The group called for an increase in the number of buses to meet the needs of commuters, particularly in densely populated suburbs where service is currently inadequate.
4. Resumption of discontinued routes: The group also demanded the resumption of several bus routes that were discontinued under the privatisation model. These routes, according to AMAB, are critical to restoring comprehensive coverage across the city, ensuring that no area is left underserved. Discontinuing these routes has made commuting increasingly difficult, especially for working-class Mumbaikars in the suburbs.
5. Introduction of bus priority lanes: AMAB emphasised the need to introduce dedicated bus priority lanes on all arterial routes in the city. This would help buses run more efficiently, reduce delays caused by traffic congestion, and encourage more people to switch from private vehicles to public transport.
6. Halting the monetisation of BEST depots: Another critical demand raised at the conference was the cessation of the monetisation and redevelopment of BEST depots, which are essential for parking buses. AMAB argued that the land should remain under public ownership and not be used for private profit through real estate development. These depots are vital for ensuring that buses can be parked, maintained, and serviced properly, and their sale or redevelopment would further weaken the transport system.

Worker exploitation and the impact of privatisation

The decline in service quality is not only due to financial mismanagement but also stems from the exploitation of the workers employed under the wet-lease model. During the conference, several speakers raised concerns about the adverse working conditions that BEST workers face. 

As per a report of FPJ a retired employee of BEST, who was part of the AMAB movement, highlighted the overwork and underpayment of workers under the privatisation system. He mentioned that many workers have reported irregular payment schedules and inadequate benefits, which have led to high levels of dissatisfaction and even health issues among the workforce. The lack of proper training and equipment also results in poorly maintained buses, which further worsens the commuter experience.

The FPJ provides that AMAB’s 2022 survey of 100 contractor workers revealed alarming trends in worker exploitation. Many reported working long hours with insufficient rest, while others had to endure hazardous working conditions without proper safety gear. The survey also showed that the quality of services provided to Mumbai’s suburbs is far below the standards of the city, with commuters in outer areas facing poor bus frequency and reliability.

Ranga Satavse, representing the workers’ union, also spoke at the conference and noted that the privatisation process had increased inequality in service delivery, with areas that are not profitable for contractors receiving the worst service. He also pointed out that the growing worker dissatisfaction was inevitable under a system that places profit before public welfare.

Political response and public mobilisation

While AMAB’s calls for reform are gaining traction, the political response to the crisis remains subdued, with little attention being given to the decline of public transport ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. However, some political parties, like the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), have included promises related to public transport in their election manifestos. 

The MVA has committed to providing free travel for women on government buses, as well as financial assistance for women under the Mahalaxmi scheme. This promise aims to address some of the concerns around public transport affordability, but it remains to be seen whether these promises will address the deeper issues of privatisation and service quality highlighted by AMAB.

The group also mentioned the need for public support, urging citizens to join the movement and demand a reversal of the privatisation policy. The crisis, which culminated in the October 14, 2024, shutdown of 250 buses operated by private contractors, serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of Mumbai’s public transport system under privatisation. AMAB maintains that restoring BEST to its public roots is crucial for the city’s long-term prosperity and the well-being of its residents.

In conclusion, the conference was a call to action for citizens, workers, and political leaders alike to recognise the essential role that public transport plays in the city’s infrastructure and to urgently prioritise reforms that will ensure the sustainability of Mumbai’s bus services.

(Detailed report on issues of fleet size and funding of BEST buses may be read here.)

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