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Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport

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Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking
Formerly1873 as Bombay Tramway Company Limited (horsecar)
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1905 as Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company Limited (BEST) (tramways and electricity)
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1947 as Bombay Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) (transport and electricity)
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1995 as Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) (transport and electricity)
Company typeAutonomous state-owned enterprise
IndustryPublic transport –
Tram (1873–1964),
Trolleybus (1962–1971),
Bus (1926–present)
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Electricity (1905–present)
FoundedMumbai (1873)
HeadquartersElectric House, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Key people
Anil Diggikar (general manager)
Ashish Chemburkar (chairman)
RevenueIncrease₹ 2,353.4 million ($538.7m USD) (2004)
Decrease₹620.4 million. ($14.2m USD) (2004)
Number of employees
44,000 (2005)
ParentMunicipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
Websitebestundertaking.com

The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) is an Indian civic transport and electricity provider public body based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was originally set up in 1873 as a tramway company called Bombay Tramway Company Limited. The enterprise set up a captive thermal power station at Wadi Bunder in 1905 to generate electricity for its trams, which positioned it to also supply electricity to the city. It then re-branded to Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company (BEST). In 1926, BEST began operating motor buses. In 1947, the company became an undertaking of the municipal corporation and rebranded itself to Bombay Electric Supply & Transport. In 1995, it was renamed Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport. It now operates as an autonomous body under the municipal corporation.

BEST operates one of India's largest bus fleets. Its service covers the entire city and also extends into neighbouring urban areas. In addition to buses, it also operates a ferry service in the northern reaches of Mumbai. The electricity division of the organisation is also one of the few electricity departments in India to garner an annual gross profit.

History

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1865–1873: Early proposals

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The idea of a mass public transport system for Bombay was first put forward in 1865 by an American company, which applied for a licence to operate a horse-drawn tramway system. Although a licence was granted, the project was never realized due to the prevailing economic depression in the city brought on by the end of the American Civil War, during which Bombay had made vast strides in its economy by supplying cotton and textiles to the world market. The tender was abandoned in 1871.

1873–1905: Bombay Tramway Company Limited, introduction of horse-drawn trams

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The Bombay Tramway Company Limited (BTC) was formally set up in 1873. After the signing of a contract between BTC, the municipality, and Stearns and Kitteredge, the Bombay Presidency enacted the Bombay Tramways Act, 1874, under which the company was licensed to run a horsecar tramway service in the city.[1] On 9 May 1874, the first horse-drawn tram made its debut, plying the Colaba–Pydhone route via Crawford Market, and Bori Bunder to Pydhonie via Kalbadevi. The initial fare was three annas (15 paise) , and no tickets were issued. As the service became increasingly popular, the fare was reduced to two annas (10 paise). Later that year, tickets were issued for the first time to curb increasing ticketless travel.[2] Stearns and Kitteredge reportedly had a stable of 900 horses when tram service began.

In 1882, the municipality entered into an agreement with the Eastern Electric Light and Power Company to provide electric lighting in the Crawford Market and on some roads. The company went into liquidation the following year, however, and the market reverted to gas lighting. In 1899, BTC applied to the municipality for operation of electrically operated trams. Due to the high investment required, the company suggested that the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) should waive its right to take over the tramways, which was to take place in 1901 according to the Bombay Tramways Act. Instead, the BMC decided to take over the company but was met with several legal problems. In 1904, the British Electric Traction Company applied for a license to supply electricity to the city. The Brush Electrical Engineering Company was its agent. It got the "Bombay Electric License" on 31 July 1905 signed by BTC, the Bombay municipality, and its agent, the Brush Electrical Company.

1905–1947: Bombay Electric Supply & Tramway Company Limited, introduction of electric trams and buses

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Mumbai's first electric tram, in 1907
Gas lamps of the early 20th century

In 1905, the Bombay Electric Supply & Tramway Company Limited (BEST) was formed and was granted a monopoly for electric supply and the running of an electric tram service in the city. It bought the assets of the Bombay Tramway Company for ₹9,850,000.[3] Two years later, in 1907, the first electric tram debuted in the city. Later that year, a 4,300 kilowatts (5,800 hp) steam power generator was commissioned at Wari Bunder. In 1916, the Tata Power group began purchasing power, and by 1925, all power generation was outsourced from Tata.[4] The passing years aggravated the problem of rush-hour traffic, and to ease the situation, double-decker trams were introduced in September 1920.

B E S & T Co. Ltd. 1 Anna Token
B E S & T Co. Ltd. 1 anna token booklet with advertisement of Bombay Mutual Life Insurance
Mumbai's first bus, in 1926

Since 1913, the company had been considering starting a motorised bus service. The main factor against its introduction was the high accident rate for a similar service in London. After years of debate, the company came to a decision on 10 February 1926 to start a bus service later that year. Bombay saw its first bus run on 15 July 1926, between Afghan Church and Crawford Market. Despite stiff opposition and protests by taxi drivers, the service ran without a hitch, transporting 600,000 passengers by the end of that year. The following year, the number had increased to 3.8 million. In response to pleas by the government and the Bombay Municipal Corporation, the company extended its services to the northern part of the city in 1934. The Indian independence movement's call for mass nonviolent strikes and general civil disobedience led to regular service disruptions, causing the company to incur huge losses in 1929. The following year was a particular bad one for the company, in the wake of the Great Depression. To remain solvent, it decided to introduce discounted fares for short routes and increase its coverage to the northern portions of the city. In 1937, the introduction of double-decker buses proved extremely popular.

Bombay's first double-decker tram, in 1920

1947–1995: Bombay Electric Supply & Transport, further expansion

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Pursuant to the option given to it under the deed of concession granted to the Bombay Electric Supply and Tramways Co. Ltd, the BMC acquired the assets of the combined undertaking, namely the operation of tramways and distribution of electricity in the city of Bombay as a going concern on 7 August 1947. By mutual agreement, the corporation also took over the operation of bus services, which were run by the Bombay Electric Supply & Transport Company. Thus, the Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company was renamed Bombay Electric Supply & Transport.[5][6]

As the company grew, it increased its fleet from 242 to 582 buses over the next decade. In 1949, it took over the Bandra Bus Company, which used to operate in Bombay's suburbs.[7] In 1951, the electricity division switched over from direct current (DC) to the more efficient alternating current (AC). The company launched its services in the eastern suburbs in 1955. That year, the undertaking and private operators went to court with BEST, asking for a complete closure of the private companies. The case dragged on for four years before the Supreme Court of India granted the organisation a complete monopoly over bus services in the Greater Bombay area. In 1964, due to high operational costs and poor public support, its long-running tram services were terminated.[8] The company became the first in the country to issue computerised billing in 1974. In 1994, it introduced electronic meters in a move to replace the less accurate electric meters.

A notable chairman of BEST during the 1970s was Kisan Mehta, who was known for his social activism.[9]

1995–present: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport, recent developments

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With the renaming of the city from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995, the organization was rebranded as Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST). Following a Supreme Court directive, the company gradually phased out old buses and introduced new ones that complied with Euro III pollution control standards.[10] On 19 November 2004, route SPL-8, travelling from Churchgate to the World Trade Centre, began accepting cashless smart cards for automatic fare collection on BEST buses.

Transport department

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An old BEST double-decker bus
A CNG-powered BEST bus
A BEST AC minibus

Rolling stock and depot

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In 1936, the company owned 433 trams and 128 buses.[11]

As of May 2023, BEST had a fleet of 3,228 buses. This comprised 525 diesel single-decker buses, 2,250 CNG buses, 406 battery electric single-decker buses, 45 diesel double-decker buses, and 7 battery electric double-decker buses.[12] Due to the National Vehicle Scrappage Policy, under which all government-owned vehicles older than 15 years are to be scrapped from 1 April 2023, BEST's fleet would be replaced by new vehicles running on alternative fuels.[13][14]

The company placed a ₹36,750,000,000 (US$420 million) order with Olectra Greentech to supply and maintain 2,100 battery electric single-decker buses for a 12-year period in May 2022.[15] In February 2023, India's first battery electric double-decker AC bus was deployed by BEST on the A-115 route,[16] one of 200 Switch EiV 22 models from Switch Mobility.[14][17] The target was to have a fully electric fleet by 2027.[15]

BEST also operates goods-carrying buses, breakdown vans, sightseeing and party buses, tree-cutting double-decker buses, and driving school buses for training drivers. All buses have GPS devices installed, which provide real-time information to management as well as passengers. Inside the buses, there are LED indicators displaying route and destination as well as upcoming stop names.[18]

In April 2022, BEST rolled out the "Tap in and Tap out" ticketing system, making Mumbai the first city in India to get fully digital buses.[19][20]

Bus routes

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BEST bus routes are spread citywide and to neighboring cities. BEST operates inter-city services to three areas beyond the municipal limits of Mumbai City; i.e., into the limits of the bordering corporations of Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Mira-Bhayandar. BEST supplements suburban rails, metro rail and monorail in the Mumbai region. It is for this reason that BEST always gives priority for feeder routes over other routes. BEST uses CNG, electric and diesel-powered buses for its operation. BEST introduced Air-conditioned buses in 1998.[21]

The majority of BEST buses consist of ordinary routes. Limited bus services that skip minor stops are used on long routes, high-capacity routes, and routes that provide connectivity beyond Mumbai city. The buses have "LTD" appended to the route number. "C" routes are ultra long routes. 5xx LTD numbered buses connect Navi Mumbai with Mumbai. Some buses like A-504, 504 LTD, and C 53 Exp plies till Navi Mumbai's Raigad district, thereby connecting the nodes of Kharghar and Kalamboli with Mumbai. Buses numbered 4xx mostly like 496 LTD and 497 LTD serve Mulund and Thane and provide the connection to greater Mumbai and buses numbered 6xx LTD and 7xx LTD serves Mira-Bhayander region like 706 LTD and 720 LTD. Buses number 3xx most likely cater to eastern suburbs. Buses numbered 2xx mostly serve western suburbs. Buses numbered 1xx mostly serve central suburbs. Buses numbered from 1 to 99 mostly serve South Mumbai (SoBo).

As of 2021, the BEST runs approximately 3,800 buses,[22][23] ferrying 5 million passengers[24] over 443 routes, and has a workforce strength of 38,000, which includes 22,000 bus drivers and conductors. BEST plans to induct more AC & Non AC buses on wet lease and increase total fleet to 6,000 buses by 2021.

Besides buses, BEST operates a ferry service since 1981 in northern Mumbai, across the Manori Creek. The barges operate at regular intervals across the shallow creek linking Manori to Marve.[25]

The BEST bus service suffered two bombings on 6 December 2002 and 28 July 2003 killing six people. In August 2006, BEST introduced payphone system and CCTVs on its buses as a response to terror attacks on the city's buses and trains.[26]

Fares and ticketing

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BEST has several options to pay bus fares:

  • Single journey (paper ticket issued by the bus conductor and validated by ticket punch)
  • Chalo App (digital ticket)
  • Chalo Card
  • National Common Mobility Card
  • Daily pass on Chalo App

The fares vary depending on the type. Paper tickets are valid only for single journey. Commuters have the option to buy a daily pass, distance-wise bus pass values and zonal pass. Students are eligible for discounts on monthly and quarterly passes and senior citizens for discounts on weekly, fortnightly, monthly and quarterly passes.[27]

BEST Transport Museum

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The BEST Transport Museum is at Anik Bus depot at Wadala. The museum was founded by P D Paranjape, the BEST officer who religiously collected bus tickets, engines, ticket-issuing machines from depots across the city. The museum was set up in 1984 at BEST's Kurla depot and was shifted to Anik depot in 1993.[28] The museum traces the evolution of BEST. It houses mini models of charming old BEST buses and ancient trams. Hand-written placards in Marathi and photographs are on display for the public. Entry to the museum is free.[29]

Electric department

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Power, supplied by the Tata Group, is brought to the city across creeks in pylons like these.

Since 1926, the BEST has been sourcing its power from Tata Power, part of the Tata Group conglomerate. The power cables are laid underground, which reduces pilferage and other losses that plague most other parts of India. The nominal rating of power supplied by BEST is 3-phase, 50 Hz, 220/110 kV. Unlike the transport company, the electricity department services only the Mumbai City area, and not the suburbs. It provides power to 5 million residential and commercial establishments[30] and over 33,000 street lights within the city limits. As of 2000, BEST supplies a total of 700 MW (938,715 hp), with a consumption of 3,216 GWh (11,578 TJ).[31] The electricity department has 6,000 employees. The city has four 110-kV, twenty-two 33-kV and 22-kV substations. BEST has a distribution loss of around 10% (2001), among the lowest in India. In 2006, the RPS (Renewable purchase specification)[32] framework came into force, which has made it mandatory for electricity providers to generate or purchase fixed percentage (6% for FY 2009–10) of their power through renewable sources. To comply with this act, BEST plans to install photovoltaic cells in each of its 25 depots. They also plan to use solar power in gardens and street lighting where the demand is low. Another option being considered is the possibility of using the 7,000 tonnes (6,889 long tons; 7,716 short tons) of garbage disposed by the city on a daily basis, which can be potentially used to generate 350 megawatts (469,358 hp) of electricity.[33]

Issues

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Transport revenues
Electricity revenues: Blue–Income, Red–Expenditure, Green–Net profits
Net profit/loss

In the financial year 2004–05, the company earned ₹ 15142.2 million[34] from its electricity department, and 839.18 crore from its transport department. Profits from its electricity department totalled ₹ 152.82 crore (US$35m), and losses in its transport department totalled ₹ 212.86 crore ($48.8m), giving the company a net loss of ₹ 62.04 crore ($14.2m). For the financial year 2005–06, BEST is expected to earn ₹ 15401.3 million ($352.92m) with a profit of ₹ 1408 million ($32.3m) from the electricity department alone. However, its transport department is expected to earn ₹ 9486.8 million ($217.39m), with a loss of ₹ 1403.0 million ($32.26m). This gives it an estimated net loss of ₹ 5 million ($114,575).[35][36] Newer management techniques, such as retrenching of excess staff (494 till date),[37] and the closure of less patronised routes, have reduced the losses in recent years, from a high of ₹ 1.75 billion ($40.1m) in 2001.[38] Daily earnings from its transport system is ₹ 20 million ($458,450). It collects ₹ 7 million ($160,450) worth of five rupee coins daily, ₹ 4.8 million ($110,000) worth of ten and twenty rupee notes, and ₹ 6 million ($137,535) worth of fifty rupee notes, through its fare collection system. This has led a unique situation wherein it has accumulated a surplus of short change. In July 2005, the company floated tender inquiries to 54 banks to exchange the loose change, which totalled ₹ 46.7 million ($1.07m). However, none of the banks sent in a single bid, some citing that their vaults are full, and others saying it would be unprofitable for low denominations, given security considerations.[39]

Though BEST is a government-owned company, it does not receive any financial assistance from the BMC, or the state government.[37] BEST also earns revenues by way of advertisements on its buses and bus-stops, and through rent from offices on owned properties. The BEST, being a public utility company, cannot increase electricity and bus fares to maximise its profits. An increase, when effected, is usually carried out to curb losses due to inflation. BMC approval is needed before such an increase goes into effect. Prior 2003 the BEST Understanding was a case Peter paying for Paul means the Electricity Division was in profit and Transport loss, so profit of Electricity was diverted to Transport so break even. The company downstream started after the inception of Electricity Act 2003, in that act it is stated that the profit of Electricity supply cannot be diverted but to be used for same entity. After taking the issue with Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission the company was running by adjusting the profit but after Supreme Court order, it could not adjusted the profit to transport now running in loss.

Culture and awards

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BEST has been a quintessential part of life in Mumbai. The red double-decker buses, modelled on the AEC Routemaster buses of London, are one of the defining characteristics of the city. When BEST decided to do away with the double-deckers for operational reasons recently, public protests and sentiment forced it to continue with the service. A move to colour all its buses saffron from red in 1997 also drew in criticism, resulting in the red colour being retained. Bus drivers and conductors have come in for praise in the media for their service during the 2005 Mumbai floods, when they ensured that all the stranded passengers were dropped safely to their respective destinations. A total of 900 buses were damaged.[40]

The organisation has received the following awards for safety and management:[41]

  • The prize for the second best production achievement by an urban transport body in the country for the year 1982.
  • The second prize for production achievement in Urban Transport during the year 1984.
  • A memento for the Administrative Report and Statement of Accounts of the Undertaking for the year 1983–84 awarded by the selection committee nominated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
  • The first place and the Best production achievement award in the category of urban transport for the year 1986–87.
  • National Productivity Award for the year 1991–92.
  • Award for the best passenger-safety record for the year 1994.
  • The award for the Best Passenger-Safety performance in Urban Transport in the whole country instituted by the Association of State Road Transport Undertaking (ASRTU) for the year 1995–96.
  • International Road Safety Award for the year 2003.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Growth of Mumbai & its Municipal Corporation". Quarterly journal of the Local Self Government Institute (Mumbai). 1976. p. 13.
  2. ^ David, M. D. (1995). Mumbai, the city of dreams: a history of the first city in India. Himalaya Publishing House. pp. 199–200.
  3. ^ "Electricity Arrives in Mumbai". BEST Undertaking. Archived from the original on 11 October 2006. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  4. ^ "Electricity Arrives in Mumbai". BEST Undertaking. Archived from the original on 8 October 2006. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  5. ^ "Motor-Bus Appears". BEST Undertaking. Archived from the original on 15 January 2010. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  6. ^ "B.E.S.&T. Company". BEST Undertaking. Archived from the original on 11 October 2006. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  7. ^ "Progress of the Bus Service". BEST Undertaking. Archived from the original on 11 October 2006. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  8. ^ "Alternative modes of Transport". BEST Undertaking. Archived from the original on 6 October 2006. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  9. ^ "Activist Kisan Mehta passes away". Times of India. 9 March 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Electric Supply". BEST Undertaking. Archived from the original on 9 October 2006. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  11. ^ World Survey of Foreign Railways. Transportation Division, Bureau of foreign and domestic commerce, Washington D.C. 1936. p. 226d.
  12. ^ Sen, S (4 May 2023). "BEST's daily bus ridership falls by 2 lakh, fleet size shrinks 11%". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 May 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  13. ^ "9 lakh govt vehicles, buses older than 15 yrs to be scrapped from Apr 1: Gadkari". The Times of India. 30 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  14. ^ a b Rao, S (3 May 2023). "Most BEST double-decker buses to be phased out by year end". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  15. ^ a b Mehta, M (24 May 2022). "BEST inks Rs 3,675 crore deal, India's biggest, to get 2,100 e-buses in 12 months". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  16. ^ Sen, S (21 February 2023). "Country's first electric double-decker bus launched on CSMT-NCPA route in Mumbai". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 16 March 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  17. ^ "Switch Mobility unveils India's first electric double-decker air-conditioned bus". The Economic Times. 18 August 2022. Archived from the original on 18 August 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  18. ^ Mumbai Mirror article published on 29 August 2012
  19. ^ "Mumbai to Become First City in the Country to Get 100% Digital Buses with Tap in, Tap Out Facility". India.com. 19 April 2022.
  20. ^ Rao, Shashank (18 April 2022). "Tap-in/tap-out ticketing to start this week, BEST passengers will have to board bus from front; watch video". The Free Press Journal.
  21. ^ "A timeline of BEST buses in Mumbai". Daily News and Analysis. Mumbai. 29 June 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
  22. ^ "3 Puneites in race for Sammelan presidentship". The Times of India.
  23. ^ "Composition of Bus Fleet". BEST Undertaking. Archived from the original on 12 February 2005. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  24. ^ "Now running TV ads in Mumbai's BEST buses". Rediff.com. Retrieved 5 August 2011.
  25. ^ "Bus Transport Profile". Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). Archived from the original on 28 June 2002. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
  26. ^ "BEST makes a smart move". Daily News & Analysis. 26 August 2006. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  27. ^ "Buspass Scheme in Detail (2019)" (PDF). BEST Undertaking. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  28. ^ Priyanka Bhosale. "Summer Past-time - BEST TRANSPORT MUSEUM, WADALA". Karmayog.org. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
  29. ^ Time Out Mumbai. "BEST Transport Museum". Time Out Mumbai. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
  30. ^ The BEST is the best option for Mumbai - Mumbai - DNA. Dnaindia.com. Retrieved on 6 December 2013.
  31. ^ "Electricity" (PDF). Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  32. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 25 May 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  33. ^ Albuquerque, Olav (8 July 2005). "Short of funds, BEST looks to solar power". The Times of India. p. 3.
  34. ^ 10 million = 10 million. (See Indian numbering system). Rs 100 million = 230,000 US$ approx. Exchange rate: Rs. 43.6 = 1 US$ as of 27 August 2005.
  35. ^ 100,000 = 100,000.
  36. ^ "Finance". BEST Undertaking. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  37. ^ a b Kuber, Girish (15 August 2005). "Road warrior: City's bus service proves it's BEST". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 29 March 2006. Retrieved 12 October 2006.
  38. ^ Joseph, Manu (21 August 2005). "May the Best Man Win". The Times of India. p. 3.
  39. ^ Albuquerque, Olav (6 July 2005). "You could now approach BEST for some loose change". The Times of India. TNN. p. 3.
  40. ^ "Statistics of Mumbai floods 2005". Karmayog. Retrieved 10 May 2009.
  41. ^ "Awards". BEST Undertaking. Archived from the original on 29 October 2006. Retrieved 12 October 2006.

Notes

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  • May the Best Man Win; Manu Joseph; Times of India, Mumbai; p. 3; 21 August 2005
  • BEST will have to wait to become smart; Ashley D'Mello/Times News Network; p. 3;Times of India; 2 July 2005.
  • Short of funds, BEST looks to solar power; Olav Albuquerque; Times of India; p. 3; 8 July 2005.
  • Exit clause introduced in BEST-TPC pact; Times News Network; p. 4; Times of India; 7 July 2005.
  • BEST to hire buses from private operators; Olav Albuquerque; Times of India; p. 7; 4 June 2005.
  • You could now approach BEST for some loose change; Olav Albuquerque/TNN; Times of India; p. 3; 2005-07-06.
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