2 weeks ago
Erratic BEST Route 111 Frequency Leaves CSMT-Nariman Point Commuters Struggling
In Mumbai, many people travel every day between two important places: CSMT and Nariman Point, to get to work.
They usually ride a special city bus called BEST Route 111.
Lately, the bus has become very irregular and there are only two buses running in each direction.
That means people wait at the bus stop for 20 to 25 minutes, which is a very long time.
Because of the delay, many people miss their train at CSMT and reach work late.
The city had just finished repairing the road, and everyone hoped the buses would run better.
But instead, fewer buses are running than before.
The bus costs 12 rupees, while the train costs 20 rupees, so many people cannot afford the train.
Commuters are asking the bus officers to come and see the long lines themselves during the evening rush.
They hope the bus service will get back to normal so everyone can get home on time.
BEST has drastically cut the number of buses on Route 111 between CSMT and Nariman Point, with only two buses allocated in each direction.
Commuters now wait 20 to 25 minutes at bus stops and frequently arrive late at CSMT, missing their suburban local trains.
The BMC completed a nine-month road concretisation project from Free Press House to the Y.B. Chavan stop junction at Dalamal Tower on schedule.
Despite the road work finishing, bus frequency was reduced instead of restored, disappointing commuters who expected relief.
The BEST bus fare of Rs. 12 is cheaper than the Rs. 20 Metro fare, making the service essential for budget-conscious commuters.
Passengers are urging senior BEST traffic officers to visit the Free Press House bus stop during evening peak hours from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm.
- Who
- Thousands of office-goers commuting between CSMT and Nariman Point, along with officials of BEST (the city bus authority).
- What
- BEST drastically reduced the frequency of Route 111 buses, causing 20-25 minute waits and causing commuters to miss suburban trains.
- Where
- Mumbai, along Route 111 between CSMT and Free Press House in Nariman Point.
- When
- Recent period after the BMC's nine-month road concretisation project was completed; evening peak hours run from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm.
- Why
- Only two buses are allocated to the route in each direction despite road completion, while commuters depend on the cheaper Rs. 12 bus fare over the Rs. 20 Metro fare.
Key facts
- Bus route
- Route 111, running CSMT to Free Press House in the morning and reverse in the evening
- Buses allocated
- 2 buses per direction
- Average waiting time
- 20-25 minutes
- BEST bus fare
- Rs. 12
- Metro fare (Nariman Point-CSMT)
- Rs. 20
- Evening peak hours
- 5:45 pm - 7:30 pm
- Road project
- Nine-month BMC concretisation from Free Press House to Y.B. Chavan stop at Dalamal Tower, completed on schedule
Quotes
Woman commuter from Raheja Centre
Budget‑conscious office worker
“I have to depend on the BEST bus because I cannot afford Metro tickets.”
freepressjournal.in









