**Striking BEST Bus Drivers: Over 200 Buses off the Roads**
**Mumbai, Jan 13, 2025 12:17 PM IST** – In a sudden turn of events, more than 200 buses operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) have been taken off the roads since Monday morning. The strike, initiated by drivers under a wet lease agreement, has left commuters in Mumbai scrambling to find alternative transportation options. Sources indicate that 110 buses from the Pratiksha Nagar depot and 100 from the Dharavi depot have been affected, causing widespread disruptions to the city’s public transport system.
**Incident Sparks Flash Strike**
The strike was reportedly triggered by an incident involving a pregnant lady conductor who was allegedly insulted by employees of the wet lease operator. According to BEST officials, the drivers and conductors went on a flash protest after 8 am, impacting at least 80-100 bus routes that these buses typically serve, especially towards south Mumbai, central, and eastern suburbs. The conductor had requested lighter duties due to her advanced pregnancy, but her plea was ignored and met with disrespect, leading to outrage among her colleagues.
**Workers Demand Better Conditions**
The ongoing dissatisfaction among the workers from Mateshwari Urban Transport, the wet lease company responsible for the affected buses, stems from issues such as low and delayed salaries. Many are pushing for permanent employment status rather than remaining as contractual staff. In response to the unrest, authorities have announced plans to penalize contractors and impose fines on the wet lease operator to address the workers’ concerns.
**Impact on Commuters and BEST**
The flash strike has caused significant inconvenience for passengers across the city, with many expressing frustration over the sudden disruption of services they rely on daily. The situation is exacerbated by the leadership vacuum within BEST, which currently operates without a General Manager. The government’s struggle to appoint a suitable candidate to manage the organization’s public transport and electricity operations, burdened with liabilities nearing ₹10,000 crore, adds to the challenges facing the already strained public transport system in Mumbai.
In times like these, it becomes crucial for all stakeholders to come together and find a resolution that not only addresses the immediate concerns of the workers but also ensures the smooth functioning of public transport for the residents of Mumbai. As we navigate through these disruptions, let us remember the importance of a reliable and efficient public transport system in our daily lives.
