[Attachment(s) from Jagdeep DESAI included below]

2011 NOV 03

2011 NOV 02

The Public Information Officer

The Public Relations Officer

BEST

Namaskar.

Reference this report

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/BEST-passengers-body-to-demand-better-services/articleshow/10546966.cms

The following is simply unbelievable and virtually not true

BEST officials have said that they could comment only after they received the memorandum. "We have improved our services in the past and if there are any more suggestions, we will definitely look into them," said a senior official.

Exactly what improvement have been made is not clear.

Seats in many buses are loose, broken, sharp edges at various points hurt passengers, hand straps are broken, screws, bolts, are protruding, CCTV cameras, LCD screens, public address systems do not work, pneumatic and hydraulic doors of the so called new buses, are either tied by the staff sio that the waiting time at stops is reduced, or do not work, buses which are licensed to seat and stand so many passengers are overloaded on m,any routes, which is clearly illegal, while empty buses remain in the BEST depots, BEST stops are occupied by unauthorised hawkers, dwellers, material, autos, taxis, private cars, HCV, even full of garbage, I can take anyone to these stops, BEST drivers routinely break signals, drive rashly, they simply do not care about traffic rules, let alone the BEST Traffic Manual which specifies how drivers should drive, conductors should conduct themselves, supervisors actually supervise, many drivers and conductors turn out in chappals, sandals, and do not wear the caps, keep their shirt buttons open, so many routes have not only been stopped but frequency reduced drastically, and the justification that they are under utilised and not profitable, is not right because since when was BEST profitable, and in any case it is a public service, and so on and so on

http://bestundertaking.com/download_traffic_manual.asp

The help line number 1 800 22 7550 hardly works, and what follow up happens will never be able to know the result of the original complaint

http://bestundertaking.com/help_line.asp

Besides the unions have already condemned this by saying the number will be used to victimise the innocent drivers and conductors, so the number will be basically for decorative purposes.

Unless there is a drastic and radical change in the mind set of the drivers and conductors, and the administration takes absolute no nonsense action, passengers, and all road users will see the same things again and again for many more years.

And the spokesmen will keep giving statements like the BEST services have improved.

No one believes it any more.

In short, give a very very poor impression of the BEST, and certainly well below the standards of any disciplined organisation, and if, as is believed so far, this is the best Maharashtra can offer, then what can one say about NMMT, KDMT, MBMT, TMT, MSRTC, PMPML, etc.

If such public services can't keep their employees, full time or contract, disciplined, what is the difference between an anarchist society and a one which is built on basic law and order.

Thanqx.

Jagdeep DESAI

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BEST passengers' body to demand better services

Somit Sen, TNN | Oct 31, 2011, 01.05AM IST

MUMBAI: The Mumbai BEST Passengers'Association plans to bring to the notice of the transport body the inconvenience caused to commuters due to buses not halting at scheduled stops, route names being written in chalk and rash driving by bus drivers.

Association founder Parmeshwar K R said, "We are sending a detailed memorandum to senior BEST officials demanding an improvement in services." The association wants ticket checkers to be given the responsibility of ensuring that the electronic destination boards of buses are in working condition. "In some cases in the western suburbs, we have found the boards non-functional and that BEST drivers/conductors still use chalk and slate to display the route name and number," he pointed out.

Parmeshwar added that the glass over the electronic indicators was often dirty and poorly lit, making it difficult for passengers to read the indicators. "Another major problem is buses not halting at scheduled stops. Before everyone can get in, the driver revs up the engine and starts the vehicle. This is unfair to passengers, especially women and senior citizens," he said.

Association members also pointed out that there have been several instances of private cars being parked right in front of bus stops. "Ticket checkers should be given the authority to fine such motorists," demanded an association member. He added, "If a bus driver is driving in a rash manner, action should be taken immediately by senior BEST officials based on complaints lodged by passengers."

The association will also highlight the fact that several passengers don't queue up and board a bus without standing at the designated bus shelter.

Said association founder Parmeshwar K R, "We are sending a detailed memorandum to senior BEST officials, demanding an improvement in the services." The association has demanded that ticket checkers/inspectors be given an additional responsibility to see that the electronic destination boards on the top panel of the buses are in working condition. "In some of the cases in the western suburbs, we have found the boards non-functional and BEST drivers/conductors still use chalk and slate to display the route name and number,'' he said. "For example, in one of the checks by our association member, we found the bus no. 278 from Malvani to Poisar depot having the destination written by chalk,'' he pointed out.

He stated that the glass used to protect the electronic indicators was also dirty and poorly lit and passengers were unable to view the route number and destination. "Another major problem in Mumbai is about buses not halting at the scheduled stops. Before all the passengers can get in, the driver revs up the engine and starts the vehicle. This is unfair for passengers, specially women and senior citizens,'' he said.

Association members also pointed out that there have been several instances of private cars being parked right in front of bus stops. "The ticket checkers/inspectors should be given the authority to fine such motorists,'' demanded an association member. He added, "If the bus driver is driving in a rash manner, with jerks and bounces, action should be taken immediately by senior BEST officers based on complaints lodged by passengers."

The association is also demanding that pavements should be cleared of hawkers, shopowners and signboards. "If there is no encroachment on pavements, pedestrians will be able to walk on the footpaths while the road will be kept free for vehicles like BEST buses." The association's memorandum will also highlight the fact that several passengers dont maintain queues and board a bus without standing at the designated bus shelter. "Commuters must be made to stand in a proper queue inside the bus stands and those standing outside (on the road) to board the bus, must be barred by the ticket checkers/inspectors,'' said an association member.

The association is also demanding that the women should have seats of a different colour, the bus routes should be prominently displayed at the stop and buses should be clean and hygienic. BEST officials said they would comment only after they receive the memorandum. "We have improved our services in the past, and if there are any more suggestions, we will definitely look into it,'' a senior official stated.

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from	Dr. Leo Rebello prof.leorebello@gmail.com
to		Jagdeep DESAI <jagdeep.desai1@gmail.com>, Adeline Rodrigues <rgpsm-bhc@nic.in>, "Registrar-General, BHC" <rg-bhc@nic.in>
cc		Mayor of Mumbai <mayor@mcgm.gov.in>, gm@bestundertaking.com, JCP Traffic Police <jcptraffic@trafficpolicemumbai.org>, pro@bestundertaking.com, transport@bestundertaking.com,
date		Wed, Dec 15, 2010 at 8:03 PM
subject		BEST (or WORST) DRIVERS AND CONDUCTORS
mailed-by		gmail.com
signed-by		gmail.com

Basically, the BEST drivers commit following offenses:-

1.. They do NOT stop at the designated bus stops.
2.. Even when they stop at the bus stops, mostly they stop in

the middle of the road endangering the safety of the commuters.

3.. They drive rashly -- sometimes at 70/80 kmph.

4.. They break signals non-challantly.

5.. As you rightly said some eat Gutkha or chew tobacco.

6.. These Gutkha addicted drivers also spit from moving buses.

7.. Some talk on the cell phone while driving.

8.. They some times drive menacingly close to autos and motor cycles

endangering the lives of others -- If in the road rage, they are

attacked they file cases under "assaulting public servant on duty".
Is driving rashly, endangering lives of commuters a duty? But the

pandu havaldars register their cases and do not register the

counter complaints of the other side.

9.. They drive in the middle or in right lanes, when the rule says that

the heavy vehicles should be on the left and do not give way to

other vehicles.

10. They are rude to senior citizens, and even pregnant women

getting in from the front door.

BEST conductors indulge in the following unacceptable acts:

1.. They argue with the passengers.

2.. They ask for exact change or insist that the passenger gets off.

3.. They also do not give back proper change.

4.. Some of them chew Ghutkha/tobacco.

5.. They ring the bell before passengers get in or get out.

6.. Some of them work in cahoots with the pickpockets.

7.. They do not ask passengers occupying reserved seats for ladies

and senior citizens to vacate.

8.. They do not control the rowdy elements.

10. If buses are late and questioned to that effect, instead of apologising

they argue back.

These BEST drivers and conductors know that traffic police will not fine

them, and if fined, BEST management will pay the fine, or their union

will save them if commuters were to complain.

If ONLY the JCP Traffic were to issue proper instructions to traffic police

to fine these BEST drivers and conductors, as per Traffic Rules and the

BEST management were to stop paying fines on their behalf, there will be

total change in their behaviour and the traffic offenses and harassment

of commuters will come down drastically and the BEST will once again

become the best.

Adv. Wandrewala should put a copy of this email on record so that the

Judges will give proper directions. I am also sending a copy to

the Prothonotary and Senior Master (Original Side) and Registrar-General

of the Bombay High Court, so that they too may bring this to the notice

of the DB of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Shahrukh Kathawalla.

All said and done, as you have rightly said, many BEST drivers and conductors

are courteous and to them our thanks and appreciation.

Best wishes

Dr. Leo Rebello

>>>

On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 7:54 PM, Jagdeep DESAI <jagdeep.desai1@gmail.com> wrote:

2010 DEC 07

The Public Information Officer

The Public Relations Officer

BEST

Dear sirs,

The following information may be kindly be provided at the earliest after this report was published in The Times of India, 2010 DEC 06

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Search&Source=Find&Key=TOIM/2010/12/06/1/Ar00108.xml&CollName=TOI_MUMBAI_DAILY_2009&DOCID=386712&Keyword=(%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Eshibu%3Cand%3E%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Ethomas)&skin=TOINEW&AppName=1&PageLabel=1%20&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T

Thanqx.

Jagdeep DESAI

Secretary
Founder Trustee

Forum for Improving Quality of Life in Mumbai Suburbs

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BEST drivers at their worst, offences up 7 times in 5 yrs

Shibu Thomas TNN

Mumbai: The BEST's safety record has taken a nosedive. Over the last five years, the number of traffic offences involving buses belonging to the undertaking has shot up well over seven times — from 356 in 2005 to 2,551 in 2009.
    In the last one year alone, six persons have died and over 21 injured after being run over by BEST buses.
    The BEST's dubious record was submitted to the Bombay High Court last week by the traffic police in response to a public interest litigation about road discipline. A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Shahrukh Kathawalla have
now asked the police to furnish a detailed list of the traffic offences committed by BEST buses.
    A look at the statistics reveals that the most common offence committed by BEST drivers is jumping signals. BEST inspectors monitor all bus drivers, says undertaking's PRO
    In 2005, of the 356 cases, 307 were of jumping signals and the undertaking paid Rs 22,000 as fine. The next year, the cases dipped marginally to 271, of which 227 were for jumping signal. The number thereafter has steadily climbed in the subsequent years — in 2007, the figures stood at 643 and 224, respectively, and in 2008, 1,187 and 612. Last year, BEST buses were hauled up for 2,551 traffic violations. Of them, 1,621 were cases of jumping signal, 67 cases of rash driving and speeding and 22 cases of lane cutting. The undertaking paid Rs 1.8 lakh in fines.
    Advocate Armin Wanderwala, who has filed a petition seeking implementation of road safety rules, told the court that BEST buses are frequent offenders. "They jump signals, cut lanes and ignore the safety of pedestrians crossing the road," said Wanderwala.
    Andheri-Lokhandwala resident Nitesh Kumar agrees. "Instead of stopping for pedestrians to cross, BEST buses come hurtling down to take free left turns," said Kumar. "Rarely would one find buses stopping near the bus stop at designated spots. Many drivers hardly bother to check if passengers are getting in or getting down before driving off," he added.
    When contacted, BEST PRO N A Walavalkar said that the undertaking gives priority to safety. "Departmental inquiries are initiated against drivers caught speeding. The BEST traffic officers and inspectors regularly monitor bus stops and traffic signals to ensure that drivers follow traffic rules," said Walavalkar, adding that their drivers are trained at their training centre.
    Questioned about the growing number of BEST buses involved in traffic violations, Walavalkar lamely explained: "Over the last few years, the number of BEST buses has gone up to 5,000. There has been a proportional increase in the number of drivers."

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APPLICATION FOR OBTAINING INFORMATION UNDER

THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005

The Public Information Officer
BRIHAN MUMBAI ELECTRIC SUPPLY AND TRANSPORT, BEST

BEST Parivahan Bhavan
Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg

Colaba
Mumbai 400 001

Particulars of information required

i] Subject matter of information

a] The objective, aims and other factors in setting up the BEST Traffic Manual, and the operating system as on

http://bestundertaking.com/

www.bestundertaking.com/download_traffic_manual.asp

http://www.bestundertaking.com/pdf/Traffic%20Department%20Manual.pdf

With particular reference to Sections 63, 68, 74, 85, 106, 107, 112, 113, inclusive, but not exhaustive

ii] The period to which the information relates

Current and valid upto date

iii] Description of the information required

a] Is the BEST Traffic Manual, BTM, under reference current and valid, mandatory, binding, and obligatory for all BEST employees and contract, daily wage , and any other workers appointed by BEST, and is any category of BEST staff exempt

b] When was the BTM, under reference, last updated, under which officer BEST's supervision, and and by which officer of BEST

c] What is the provision in the BTM, for taking any punitive action against those BEST employees, staff, who do not follow the BEST Traffic Manual

d] Is there any plan to change and replace certain derogatory terms contained within the BTM, such as, 'scavenger', and 'widow', with acceptable ones like 'housekeeper', and 'economically weaker sections', etc.

e] Who is responsible for the inclusion of these terms, and in case these were done departmentally, which officer of BEST has permitted these type of terms continuing to be used in the BTM, and when will these terms be removed from the BTM, and other such text

f] What are the provisions being implemented to ascertain the BEST Inspectors, BEST Assistant Traffic Officers, BEST Drivers, BEST Conductors, and all those employees and staff as set out in the various Sections of the BTM, under reference, are carrying out the specific duties, responsibilities, directions, guidelines, norms, instructions, etc., as set out in the said BTM, etc.

g] What are the punitive provisions for those employees who do not follow the BTM

h] How many BEST employees, inspectors, officers, supervisors, drivers, conductors, have been so punished, or dismissed from BEST, if at all, with details thereof

i] What are the conditions, and criteria to locate and set up BEST bus stops, BEST bus shelters, at various locations in Mumbai

j] What are the different types of BEST bust stops, and BEST bus shelters

j] The up to date position of BEST bus stops, and shelters that have been planned, built, and being built, or contracted to be built, as the case may be, in Mumbai and Brihan Mumbai, including in relation with the Mumbai Metro, and Monorail, with exact numbers, locations, and photographs of present situation at the said locations, with each BEST bus route, whether on the road, on the foot path, on flyovers, road over bridge over railway lines, whether any trees, lamp posts, electricity, telephone junction boxes, unauthorised stalls, vendors, unathorised parking, illegal structures, encroachments, etc., are in any way obstructing waiting passengers or buses, etc., and what is the latest audit report of such BEST bus stops and BEST bus shelters, and which do not conform to the standards, and minimum requirements for BEST bus passengers, and what is BEST doing to keep BEST bus stops and BEST bus shelters clear from autos and taxis waiting for CNG filling at nearby CNG station during day and night

k] Details of specifications, plans, elevatons, sections, and dimensions of such BEST bus stops, and BEST bus shelters as planned and as existing

l] Total numbers of BEST buses in the fleet, in operation, and in reserve, with detailed breakup of each, in terms of engine type, ordinary or air conditioned, carrying capacity, cost of procurement, maintenance, fuel consumption, average revenue per passenger per type of bus, revenue versus fuel consumption per type of bus, revenue per BEST employee, etc.

m] The total numbers and location details of each and every BEST depot, terminal, yard, parking garages, mechanical workshop, office buildings, residential quarters, and other real estate assets owned by BEST, in terms of square metres, and market value of each, individually as on 2010 DEC

n] Which such real estate assets of BEST have been sold, leased, or in any other way disposed off, along with details of location of the said assets in Mumbai, area in square metres, original purchase price, price received for the lease or sale, what is being done with the money so received as on 2010 DEC

o] What are the future plans and policies of BEST in terms of introducing BRTS, mini buses, micro buses, limousine service for executives, point to point services, utilistation of flyovers on Western Express Highway, Eastern Express Highway, and inter city services, within Mumbai Metropolitan Region, especially in relation to Mumbai Metro, Mumbai Monorail

iv] Whether information is required by post or in person

By email in English within the prescribed time period

Whether the applicant is below the poverty line

Not applicable

Place : Mumbai

Date : 2010 DEC 10

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