Protect buses: BEST urges Mumbaiites

MUMBAI, APRIL 4: The BEST feels its buses have had the worst and can take no more. After the public outcry in Bhayander over water, in which many BEST buses were damaged, angry mobs targetted BEST buses on Friday8217;s Mumbai bandh called by the Republican Party of India RPI. So an anguished BEST has now appealed to citizens of Mumbai to 8220;protect their own buses.8221;

8220;Whenever there is public resentment, BEST buses are targetted at once. Has any problem been solved by pelting stones at buses or destroying public property?8221; a press release issued by BEST said. As many as 210 BEST buses were either stoned or looted during the bandh on Friday. 29 bus drivers, 11 conductors and 10 to 15 passengers were hurt. 8220;The buses have received severe damage. There8217;s one without a single glass left on it. Cushions have been torn apart, steering wheels have been pulled out and tyres punctured,quot; said BEST chairperson Arvind Nerkar.

He informed it would take at least a week to bring the damaged buses back on roads. Therepairs would cost the BEST Rs 2 crore and 80 lakh. He admitted there would be pressure as 210 buses would off the roads.