Passengers take help of networking site to improve BRTS service…….SWAPNIL RAWAL
Dissatisfied passengers of the citys two Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) routes have now taken assistance of the popular social networking site, Orkut, to vent out their displeasure and to discuss possible solutions to improve the bus service.
The community which was created a fortnight back by a frequent passenger on the bus, J P Shetty, is slowly picking up as the members of the All Mumbai AC Bus Passenger Association are joining it. Initially, I did not know that this community would become such an active platform for members of the association, but it is picking up quite well, the 38-year-old Star TV employee admitted.
Members hope the networking with others with grouses will eventually help in pressurising the BEST to improve services on the high-end bus service.
According to the associations president, Parmeshwar K R, this community would help its members to meet regularly to discuss issues pertaining to the bus service that runs between Colaba to Thane via Eastern Express Highway and Colaba to Dahisar through the Western Express Highway. Parmeshwar feels that still many people need to be made aware of the community, but he is confident that its going to be very helpful for the members of the association.
Not all members of the association can meet regularly for our meetings and therefore, this community would be of big assistance for us, Parmeshwar said. He added that the members are not allowed to meet at public places and therefore have not been disclosing the venue of the meeting to avoid possible disruptions.
The association with the strength of around 150 members has been expressing its unhappiness with the service run by Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking. The list of grievances about the King Long bus service includes cancellation of bus without prior notice, rude staff, low frequency and untrained drivers.
Shetty who earlier used to commute from Thane to his work place on his bike started using the Chinese make buses. After I saw this bus while on my way I thought I should commute to my work place as it would be less stressful. Currently, Im not using it as there are several cancellations without prior notice, owing to the rains, Shetty said.