BEST Undertaking
Type	Autonomous State-owned enterprise
Founded	Mumbai (1873)
Headquarters	Mumbai, India
Key people	Uttam Khobragade, General Manager
Industry	Public transport, Electricity
Products	none
Revenue	Rs. 2,353.40 cr. ($538.7m USD) (2004)
Employees	44,000 (2005)
Slogan	Safety is our motto...
Website	www.bestundertaking.com

The BEST (Marathi: बृहन्मुंबई विद्युतपुरवठा आणि परिवहन उपक्रम / बेस्ट) or the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport is Mumbai's public transport service and electricity provider. The government-owned organisation, which was set up in 1873, operates one of India's largest fleets of buses. Originally setup as a tramway company, it branched out into supplying electricity to the city in 1905, and later into operating buses in 1926. The BEST is run by the city's municipality as an autonomous body. Image File history File links Logo of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking. ... A state-owned enterprise (SOE) is an enterprise, often a corporation, owned by a government. ... Mumbai (IPA: ), formerly known as Bombay (IPA: ), is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and is the most populous Indian city. ... Mumbai (IPA: ,Marathi: मुंबई), formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the state of Maharashtra, and the most populous city of India, with an estimated population of about 13 million (as of 2006)[1]. Mumbai is located on Salsette Island, off the west coast of Maharashtra. ... Skytrain Bangkok. ... Lightning strikes during a night-time thunderstorm. ... Revenue is a U.S. business term for the amount of money that a company earns from its activities in a given period, mostly from sales of products and/or services to customers. ... Image File history File links Green_Arrow_Up. ... ISO 4217 Code INR User(s) India Inflation 4. ... A crore is a unit in the Indian numbering system, still widely used in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. ... Employment is a contract between two parties, one being the employer and the other being the employee. ... Look up Slogan in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This page as shown in the AOL 9. ... Marathi (मराठी ) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Marathi people of western India (Maharshtrians). ... Mumbai (IPA: ,Marathi: मुंबई), formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the state of Maharashtra, and the most populous city of India, with an estimated population of about 13 million (as of 2006)[1]. Mumbai is located on Salsette Island, off the west coast of Maharashtra. ... Skytrain Bangkok. ... Lightning strikes during a night-time thunderstorm. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... A CLRV Streetcar in the City of Toronto. ... Administrative headquarters of the BMC. The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (formerly Bombay Municipal Corporation) or the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is Indias richest municipal organisation. ...

The bus transport service covers the entire city and also extends its operations outside city limits into neighbouring Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mira-Bhayandar. In addition to buses, it also operates a ferry service in the northern reaches of the city. The electricity division of the organisation is also one of the few electricity departments in India to garner an annual net profit. Navi Mumbai (Marathi: नवी मुंबई) (erstwhile: New Bombay) is a satellite twin of the city of Mumbai, India. ... For the Anglo-Saxon royal retainer, see Thegn. ... Mira Road is a small town in Thane district just north of the city of Mumbai. ... A view of the railway line facing north - courtesy Michelle Fernandes Bhayandar is a region in Thane District near Mumbai, on the west coast of India. ...

Until 1995, BEST stood for Bombay Electricity Supply and Transport. After the name of the city was formally changed from Bombay to Mumbai, this was also reflected with the adjustment to Brihanmumbai, which means "Greater Mumbai".

History

Origins

The idea of a mass public transport system for Mumbai was first put forward in 1865 by an American company, which applied for a licence to operate a horse-drawn tramway system. Although a licence was granted, the project was never realised, owing to the prevailing economic depression in the city. The end of the American Civil War, during which Bombay had made vast strides in its economy by supplying cotton and textiles to the world market, was the reason for the economic downturn. Combatants United States of America (Union) Confederate States of America (Confederacy) Commanders Lincoln, President Ulysses S. Grant, General Jefferson Davis, President Robert E. Lee, General Strength 2,200,000 1,064,000 Casualties 110,000 killed in action, 360,000 total dead, 275,200 wounded 93,000 killed in action...

Later, on 1871-11-27, a notice in the Times of India newspaper put by the Bombay Omnibus Service, proposed to set up a bus service between Malabar Hill and Fort. However, the proposed monthly pass fare of thirty pounds proved to be too expensive, and the tender was promptly abandoned.^[1] 1871 (MDCCCLXXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... November 27 is the 331st day (332nd on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The Common Man featured on a commemorative stamp released by the Indian Postal Service on the 150th Anniversary of the Times of India - 1988. ... Malabar Hill is a small hillock in southern Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India, and is the location of the Walkeshwar Temple, founded by the Silhara kings. ... Fort is a downtown area of Mumbai, India. ... ISO 4217 Code GBP User(s) United Kingdom Inflation 2. ...

The tram company

A BEST tram of the early 20th century.

The birth of the BEST dates back to 1873, with the setting up of the Bombay Tramway Company Limited, which was given the licence to operate trams in the city. The Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) was given the right to purchase the company after twenty-five years, or after seven years thereafter. In 1874, the Bombay Tramways Act was enacted after the contract was formally signed between the Municipality and the Company to start such a transport system. Image File history File links Early 20th century trams See: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Source: http://bestundertaking. ... Image File history File links Early 20th century trams See: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Source: http://bestundertaking. ... A modern tram in the Töölö district of Helsinki, Finland A tram (or tramway, trolley, streetcar, tramcar, Straßenbahn) is a railborne vehicle (lighter than a train) for transport of passengers (or, occasionally, freight). ... Indias richest municipal organisation. ...

On 9 May 1874, the first horse-drawn carriage made its début in the city, plying on the Colaba–Pydhone via Crawford Market, and Bori Bunder to Pydhonie via Kalbadevi routes. The initial fare was three annas (15 paise), and no tickets were issued. As the service became increasingly popular, the fare was reduced to two annas (10 paise). Later that year, tickets were issued for the first time, to curb the increasing ticketless travel. May 9 is the 129th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (130th in leap years). ... 1874 (MDCCCLXXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Colaba is a part of the city of Bombay. ... Pydhone is a neighbourhood in South Bombay. ... Crawford Market is one of Bombays most famous markets. ... Bori Bunder literally means a place where sacks are stored. ... Pydhone is a neighbourhood in South Bombay. ... Kalbadevi is an old neighbourhood in Bombay, India. ... An Anna (Hindustani ana) was a currency unit formerly used in India, equal to 1/16 rupee. ... A Paisa (pl. ...

Gas lamps of the early 20th century

In 1899, the company applied to the BMC, for operation of electrically operated trams. Due to the high investment required, the company suggested that the BMC should waive its right to take over the tramways, which was to take place in 1901 according to the contract signed in 1874. However, the BMC decided to take over the company anyway. The takeover created several legal problems, which lead to the foundation of a new public company, the Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company Limited, which bought out the Bombay Tramway Company in 1905.^[1] Image File history File links Gas lighting early 20th century See: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Source: http://bestundertaking. ... The Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company Limited was a company formed in 1905 to take ove the Bombay Tramway Company. ...

That same year, the company also acquired the British Electric Traction Company, which owned a 1,100 hp (820 kw) generator and serviced 107 consumers. Two years later, the first electric tram debuted in the city. Later that year, a 4,300 kw steam power generator was commissioned at Wari Bunder. In 1916, power purchase from the Tata Power group, a privately owned company, was started and by 1925, all power generation was outsourced from Tata.^[2] The British Electric Traction Company was a company in Mumbai which used to generate electricity in Mumbai from 1882. ... The horsepower (hp) is the name of several non-metric units of power. ... The kilowatt (symbol: kW) is a unit for measuring power, equal to one thousand watts. ... A steam engine is a heat engine that makes use of the potential energy that exists as pressure in steam, converting it to mechanical work. ... The Tata Power Company Limited is India’s largest private sector electricity generating company with an installed generation capacity of over 2300 MW. The Company has emerged as a pioneer in the Indian power sector, with a track record of performance, customer care and sustained growth. ...

Advent of buses

The city's first bus started operations in 1926.

Since 1913, the company had been pondering over starting a motorised bus service. The main factor against its introduction was the high accident rate for a similar service in London. Finally, after years of debate, the company came to a decision on 10 February 1926, to start a bus service later that year. On 15 July 1926, the first bus service in India was started on three routes. Despite stiff opposition and protests by taxi-drivers, the service ran without a hitch, transporting six lakh (600,000) passengers by the end of that year. The following year the number had increased to 38 lakhs (3.8 million). The trams meanwhile, due to their lower fares, were relegated to being a poor man's transport. Image File history File links First bus of the BEST service: 15-July-1926 See: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Source: http://bestundertaking. ... Image File history File links First bus of the BEST service: 15-July-1926 See: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Source: http://bestundertaking. ... London (pronounced ) is the capital city of the United Kingdom and the largest city of England (strangely, England has no constitutional existence within the United Kingdom, and therefore cannot be said to have a capital). ... February 10 is the 41st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Year 1926 (MCMXXVI) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar). ... July 15 is the 196th day (197th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 169 days remaining. ... Year 1926 (MCMXXVI) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar). ... A lakh (Hindi: लाख, Urdu: Ù„Ú©Ú¾, Bengali: , Tamil : இலட்சம்) also spelled lac, lacs, lacks, laksha, or lectcham (in Tamil) is a unit in the Indian numbering system, widely used both in official and other contexts in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. ... A lakh (also spelled lac) is a unit in a traditional number system, still widely used in India, equal to a hundred thousand. ...

The Indian independence movement's call for mass non-violent strikes and general civil disobedience, led to regular service disruptions, leading to the company incurring huge losses in 1929. The next year was a particular bad year for the company in the wake of the Great Depression. To remain solvent, the company decided to introduce discounted fares for short routes, and increase its coverage to the northern portions of the city. In 1937, the introduction of double-decker buses proved to be extremely popular. The Indian Independence Movement incorporated the efforts by Indians to liberate the region from British, French and Portuguese and form the nation-state of India. ... It has been suggested that Civil and social disobedience be merged into this article or section. ... The Great Depression was an economic downturn which started in 1929 (although its effects were not fully felt until late 1930) and lasted through most of the 1930s. ... A London AEC Routemaster, RML 2473 (JJD 473D), on route 7 approaching Ladbroke Grove tube station in April 2002. ...

World War II brought with it the rationing of fuel and a shortage of tires. The increasing costs of owing a car forced many to switch to using the bus service. Despite huge losses, the company diligently plied its buses and trams to cater to the residents of Bombay.^[3] Combatants Major Allied powers: United Kingdom Soviet Union United States Republic of China and others Major Axis powers: Nazi Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Harry Truman Chiang Kai-Shek Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tojo Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead...

The BEST Undertaking

Electric House in Colaba area is the headquarters of the BEST.

After World War II, and India's independence, the management of the company was taken over by the BMC in 7 August 1947, and the company was renamed 'The BEST Undertaking'.^[4] Image File history File links Electric-House. ... Image File history File links Electric-House. ... Combatants Major Allied powers: United Kingdom Soviet Union United States Republic of China and others Major Axis powers: Nazi Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Harry Truman Chiang Kai-Shek Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tojo Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead... The Indian independence movement was a series of steps taken in the Indian subcontinent for independence from British colonial rule, beginning with the Rebellion of 1857. ... August 7 is the 219th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (220th in leap years), with 146 days remaining. ... 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1947 calendar). ...

As the company grew post-independence, it increased its fleet from 242 to 582 buses over the next decade. In 1949, it took over the Bandra Bus Company, which used to ply buses in the suburbs.^[5] In 1951, the electricity division switched over from direct current (DC) to the more efficient alternating current (AC). The company launched its services in the eastern suburbs in 1955. That year, the Undertaking and private operators went to court, with the BEST asking for a complete closure of the private companies. The case dragged on for four years before the Supreme Court of India granted the organisation a complete monopoly over bus services in the Greater Bombay area. In 1964, due to high operational costs and poor public support, its long-running tram services were terminated.^[6] The Bandra Bus Company was a transport company operated by the Bandra Municipality between the late 1920s to 1949. ... The Mumbai suburban district is a district of the state of Maharashtra, India. ... Direct current (DC or continuous current) is the continuous flow of electricity through a conductor such as a wire from high to low potential. ... City lights viewed in a motion blurred exposure. ... The Supreme Court of India is the highest court of the land as established by Part V, Chapter IV of the Constitution of India. ... In economics, a monopoly (from the Latin word monopolium - Greek language monos, one + polein, to sell) is defined as a persistent market situation where there is only one provider of a product or service. ... Greater Bombay was the term used to denote the suburban area of Bombay, India. ...

The company achieved the status of being the first company in the country to issue computerised billing in 1974. In 1994, the company introduced electronic meters, in a move to replace the less accurate electric meters. Following a Supreme Court directive, the company has been gradually phasing out old buses and introducing new buses which comply with the Euro II pollution control standards.^[7] EURO II (popularly referred to as Euro2 or as EC 96) was the emission standard for cars introduced in the EU in 1995 that limits car emissions to 7 g/kWh of NOX and 0. ...

Transport

A modern BEST double decker bus

A modern BEST bus powered by CNG, indicated by the green stripe on the side of the bus.

Double-length BEST bus in Mumbai

As of 2006, the BEST runs a total of 3,400 buses,^[8] ferrying 4.5 million passengers over 340 routes, and has a workforce strength of 38,000, which includes 22,000 bus drivers and conductors (this comes to an average of 11.2 employees per bus). Single decker buses make up the bulk of the fleet, followed by the double-decker buses and air-conditioned buses, which ply on select routes. Following court directives, the company launched limited 'disabled friendly' buses on exclusive routes in 2005 that have low ramps and space for wheelchairs.^[9] The company also plies vestibule buses on the city's two express highways. These buses have a capacity of 110, and were introduced in 1997.^[10] All buses are tagged with a route number and its corresponding destination. They are displayed in the front (in Marathi), and on the side (in English). Mumbai traffic Source: Antônio Milena/ABr. ... Mumbai traffic Source: Antônio Milena/ABr. ... Image File history File links BEST-CNG-bus. ... Image File history File links BEST-CNG-bus. ... A CNG propelled autorickshaw on the streets of New Delhi, Delhi. ... Image File history File links BEST_dbl. ... Image File history File links BEST_dbl. ... The Bombay Electric Supply and Transport now christened Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking is an electricity and public transport undertaking of city municipality. ... Mumbai (IPA: ,Marathi: मुंबई), formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the state of Maharashtra, and the most populous city of India, with an estimated population of about 13 million (as of 2006)[1]. Mumbai is located on Salsette Island, off the west coast of Maharashtra. ... The Bombay Electric Supply and Transport now christened Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking is an electricity and public transport undertaking of city municipality. ... The workforce is the labour pool in employment. ... A trial at the Old Bailey in London as drawn by Thomas Rowlandson and Augustus Pugin for Ackermanns Microcosm of London (1808-11). ... Category: ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ...

Routes are categorised under four categories: Ordinary, Limited, Express and Special. 'Ordinary' routes are the most common, with buses on these routes stopping at all stops. Buses plying on these routes are identified by a white route number on a black background. Buses on 'Limited' routes stop only at selected stops on high volume routes. They have a marginally higher fare and are identified by the route number in red on a white background. 'Special' routes ply on select routes covering train terminuses and the central business districts. These routes have a fare marginally higher than the 'Limited' routes and are identified by the route number in white on a red background. 'Express' routes service long distance intra-city routes, and have fares that are the same as the 'Special' routes, but with lesser number of stops. These buses have route numbers indicated in red on a yellow background. 'Air-conditioned' buses fares a little over four times the fare of an 'Ordinary' route covering the same distance.

In June 2005, in order to cut costs, BEST decided to hire buses from private operators instead of procuring new buses. These buses would look the same as a regular bus, but the maintenance and salaries would be taken care of by the private operators.^[11] The BEST also plans to install GPS systems on all its buses, to monitor them in realtime. It also plans to reintroduce pre-paid smart cards along selected routes. This service was installed in 1998, but was terminated in 2000.^[12] In August 2006, BEST buses also introduced pay-phone system and CCTVs on its buses.^[13] GPS redirects here. ... A smartcard or smart card is a tiny secure cryptoprocessor embedded within a credit card-sized or smaller (like the GSM SIM) card. ...

Besides buses, BEST also operates a ferry service (since 1981) in northern Mumbai, across the Manori Creek. The barges operate at regular intervals across the shallow creek linking Manori to Malad. The Pride of Rotterdam, One of the P&O Ferriess Flagships operating the Hull-Rotterdam Route A ferry is a boat or a ship carrying passengers, and sometimes their vehicles, on scheduled services. ... Manori Creek (also Malad Creek) is a creek (tidal creek) in northern Mumbai (Bombay), India. ... Manori is a neighbourhood in northern Mumbai, India. ... Malad is the name of a railway station on the Mumbai suburban railway on the Western Railway railway line. ...

Electric department

Power, supplied by the Tata Group is brought to the city across creeks in pylons like these.

Since 1926, the BEST has been sourcing its power from Tata Power, part of the Tata Group conglomerate. The power cables are laid underground, which reduces pilferage and other losses that plague most other parts of India. The nominal rating of power supplied by BEST is 3-phase, 50 Hz, 220/110 kV. Unlike the transport company, the electricity department services only the Mumbai City area, and not the suburbs. It provides power to over a million residential and commercial establishments and over 33,000 street lights within the city limits. As of 2000, BEST supplies a total of 700 MW, with a consumption of 3,216 GWh.^[14] Image File history File links Pylons in north Bombay Source: Taken by me, Nichalp on 24-Aug-2005; 17:30 hrs File links The following pages link to this file: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport ... Image File history File links Pylons in north Bombay Source: Taken by me, Nichalp on 24-Aug-2005; 17:30 hrs File links The following pages link to this file: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport ... The Tata Power Company Limited is India’s largest private sector electricity generating company with an installed generation capacity of over 2300 MW. The Company has emerged as a pioneer in the Indian power sector, with a track record of performance, customer care and sustained growth. ... Tata is one of the oldest and largest business conglomerates in India, with revenues in 2005-06 of $21. ... The hertz (symbol: Hz) is the SI unit of frequency. ... The volt is the SI derived unit for electric potential and voltage (derived from the ampere and watt). ... Mumbai (IPA: ), formerly known as Bombay (IPA: ), is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and is the most populous Indian city. ... A streetlight in front of a red sky at night A street light, also known as a light standard, is a raised light on the edge of a road, turned on or lit at a certain time every night. ... The megawatt (symbol: MW) is a unit for measuring power corresponding to one million (106) watts. ...

The electricity department has 6,000 employees. The city has three 110 kV, twenty-two 33 kV and 22 kV substations. BEST has a distribution loss of around 10% (2001), among the lowest in India.

In 2003, the Electricity Act (2003) came into force, which has made it mandatory for electricity providers to generate at least 10% of their power through renewable sources. To comply with this act, BEST plans to install photovoltaic cells in each of its 25 depots. They also plan to use solar power in gardens and street lighting where the demand is low. Another option being considered is the possibility of using the 7,000 tonnes of garbage disposed by the city on a daily basis, which can be potentially used to generate 350 MW of electricity.^[15] The Electricity Act (2003) is a legislation enforced in India which has made it mandatory for electricity providers to generate at least 10% of their power through non-conventional sources. ... A photovoltaic cell is a device that turns light into electric energy. ... Solar power describes a number of methods of harnessing energy from the light of the sun. ...

Organisation

Management structure of BEST

The company is headed by a General Manager, currently Uttam Khobragade. The traffic department is overseen by an 'Assistant General Manager (Traffic Operations)', and assisted by the 'Chief Traffic Manager (Sr.)'. The 'Chief Traffic Manager' oversees the five BEST zones, each headed by a 'Traffic Manager'. Each zone consists of 5 to 6 depots, whose operations are overseen by an 'Assistant General Manager (Traffic Operation)'. A 'Traffic Superintendent' or 'Assistant Traffic Superintendent' heads each depot.^[16] Image File history File links Management structure of the BEST. Source: Made by me, =Nichalp «Talk»= File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Management structure of the BEST. Source: Made by me, =Nichalp «Talk»= File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... The term general manager is a title used by an executive in a business operation, although the duties of the position vary according to the context. ...

The electricity department is headed by a 'Deputy General Manager (Electric Supply)' (DGM (ES)). Assisting him is an 'Assistant General Manager (Electric Supply)' (AGM (ES)), in charge of planning, new projects, construction, street lighting, computer applications and the generation cell. The 'Chief Engineer - Electric Supply (CEES)' is in-charge of material testing and the Standards, Meters and Relays and the Review departments. Two 'Chief Engineer - Distribution' (CED) officials manage the two administrative zones.^[17]

The BEST enjoys a high degree of autonomy under the BMC; the latter approves its yearly budget and permits increases in bus fares when required. A body of 17 Municipal Corporators from the ruling party in the BMC form the BEST Committee. The committee, headed by a Chairman, keeps a tab on the undertaking's daily operations.^[18] The committee has a staggered two year term.

Among its future plans is the "digitisation project", wherein all underground cables, sub-stations, street lights and bus-stops would be tracked digitally through the geographical information system. It also plans to connect all its electricity meters through a network, so that the readings can be taken remotely, and in realtime, thus obviating the need for monthly manual door-to-door inspection. A geographic information system (GIS) is a system for creating, storing, analyzing and managing spatial data and associated attributes. ...

Finances

Electricity revenues: Blue–Income, Red–Expenditure, Green–Net profits

In the financial year 2004-05, the company earned Rs. 1,514.22 crore^[19] from its electricity department, and 839.18 crore from its transport department. Profits from its electricity department totalled Rs. 152.82 crore (35m US$), and losses in its transport department totalled Rs 212.86 crore ($48.8m), giving the company a net loss of Rs. 62.04 crore ($14.2m). Image File history File links Electricity revenues of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport. ... Image File history File links Electricity revenues of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport. ... Pakistani Rupee Indian Rupee Collection The Rupee (₨ or Rs. ... A crore is a unit in the Indian numbering system, still widely used in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. ...

Transport revenues

For the financial year 2005-06, BEST is expected to earn Rs. 1,540.13 crore ($352.92m) with a profit of 140.8 crore ($32.3m) from the electricity department alone. However, its transport department is expected to earn 948.68 crore ($217.39m), with a loss of 140.30 crore ($32.26m). This gives it an estimated net loss of Rs. 50 lakhs ($114,575).^[20][21] Newer management techniques, such as retrenching of excess staff (494 till date),^[18] and the closure of less patronised routes, have reduced the losses in recent years, from a high of Rs. 175 crore ($40.1m) in 2001.^[22] Image File history File links Transport revenues of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Blue:Earnings Red: Expenditure Green: Net profit/loss Source: Made by me, =Nichalp «Talk»= File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Transport revenues of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Blue:Earnings Red: Expenditure Green: Net profit/loss Source: Made by me, =Nichalp «Talk»= File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...

Net profit/loss.

Daily earnings from its transport system is Rs. 2 crore ($458,450). It collects Rs. 70 lakh ($160,450) worth of five rupee coins daily, Rs. 48 lakh ($110,000) worth of ten and twenty rupee notes, and Rs. 60 lakh ($137,535) worth of fifty rupee notes, through its fare collection system. This has led a unique situation wherein it has accumulated a surplus of short change. In July 2005, the company floated tender inquiries to 54 banks to exchange the loose change, which totalled 4.67 crore ($1.07m). However, none of the banks sent in a single bid, some citing that their vaults are full, and others saying it would be unprofitable for low denominations, given security considerations.^[23] Image File history File links Nett revenues of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Blue: Income Red: Expenditure Green: Nett. ... Image File history File links Nett revenues of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Blue: Income Red: Expenditure Green: Nett. ...

Though the BEST is a government-owned company, it does not receive any financial assistance from the BMC, or the state government.^[18] BEST also earns revenues by way of advertisements on its buses and bus-stops, and through rent from offices on owned properties. The BEST, being a public utility company, cannot increase electricity and bus fares to maximise its profits. An increase, when effected, is usually carried out to curb losses due to inflation. BMC approval is needed before such an increase goes into effect.

Culture and awards

BEST bus tickets

BEST has been a quintessential part of life in Mumbai. The red double decker buses, modelled on the Routemaster buses of London, are one of the defining characteristics of the city. When BEST decided to do away with the double-deckers for operational reasons recently, public protests and sentiment forced it to continue with the service. A move to colour all its buses saffron from red in 1997 also drew in sharp criticism, resulting in the red colour being retained. Bus drivers and conductors have come in for praise in the media for their service during the 2005 Mumbai floods, when they ensured that all the stranded passengers were dropped safely to their respective destinations. A total of 900 buses were rendered useless due to the deluge. Image File history File links BEST tickets File links The following pages link to this file: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport ... Image File history File links BEST tickets File links The following pages link to this file: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport ... First London AEC Routemaster, RML 2473 (JJD 473D), on route 7 approaching Ladbroke Grove tube station in April 2002. ... Maharashtra The Mumbai floods of 2005 refer to the flooding of large areas of the metropolis of Mumbai, a city located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, on the western part of India. ...

The organisation has received the following awards for safety and management:^[24]

• The prize for the second best production achievement by an urban transport body in the country for the year 1982.
• The second prize for production achievement in Urban Transport during the year 1984.
• A memento for the Administrative Report and Statement of Accounts of the Undertaking for the year 1983-84 awarded by the selection committee nominated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
• The first place and the Best production achievement award in the category of urban transport for the year 1986-87.
• National Productivity Award for the year 1991-92.
• Award for the best passenger-safety record for the year 1994.
• The prestigious award for the Best Passenger-Safety performance in Urban Transport in the whole country instituted by the Association of State Road Transport Undertaking (ASRTU) for the year 1995-96.
• International Road Safety Award for the year 2003.

See also

• Public transport in Mumbai
• Mumbai Suburban Railway

roadmap Public Transport in Mumbai involves the transport of millions of its citizens by train, road and water. ... Suburban rail network. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: BEST

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport

• BEST Undertaking – Official site of the BEST.

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Notes

2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... August 19 is the 231st day of the year (232nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... June 4 is the 155th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (156th in leap years), with 210 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... The Times News Network or TNN is the news agency of the Times of India newspaper. ... July 2 is the 183rd day of the year (184th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 182 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Daily News & Analysis, or DNA, is a popular English language newspaper based in Mumbai, India. ... August 26 is the 238th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (239th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... July 8 is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 176 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... August 15 is the 227th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (228th in leap years), with 138 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... The traditional Indian numbering system, used today in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar (Burma), is based on a unique grouping of 2 decimal places, rather than the 3 decimal places commonplace in the West (China and Japan, for instance, use 4). ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... August 27 is the 239th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (240th in leap years), with 126 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... The Common Man featured on a commemorative stamp released by the Indian Postal Service on the 150th Anniversary of the Times of India - 1988. ... August 21 is the 233rd day of the year (234th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... July 6 is the 187th day of the year (188th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 178 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ...

References

Prose contains specific citations in source text which may be viewed in edit mode.

Web references

• Tram-car arrives. BEST Undertaking. Retrieved on August 27, 2005.
• Motor-Bus appears. BEST Undertaking. Retrieved on August 27, 2005.
• Electricity arrives in Mumbai. BEST Undertaking. Retrieved on August 27, 2005.
• B.E.S.&T. Company. BEST Undertaking. Retrieved on August 27, 2005.
• B.E.S.T. Undertaking. BEST Undertaking. Retrieved on August 27, 2005.
• Progress of Bus Service. BEST Undertaking. Retrieved on August 27, 2005.
• Alternative modes of transport. BEST Undertaking. Retrieved on August 27, 2005.
• Electric Supply. BEST Undertaking. Retrieved on August 27, 2005.
• Organisational Setup (Transport). BEST Undertaking. Retrieved on August 27, 2005.
• Organisational Setup (Electric). BEST Undertaking. Retrieved on August 27, 2005.
• Financial Highlights and Budget Estimates. BEST Undertaking. Retrieved on August 27, 2005.
• Awards. BEST Undertaking. Retrieved on August 27, 2005.
• Road warrior: City's bus service proves it's BEST. Economic Times. Retrieved on August 30, 2005.
• BEST Committee. Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. Retrieved on August 30, 2005.
• Electricity (.pdf). Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission. Retrieved on August 30, 2005.

Newspapers

• May the Best Man Win; Manu Joseph; Times of India, Mumbai; pg-3; 2005-08-21
• BEST will have to wait to become smart; Ashley D'Mello/Times News Network; pg-3;Times of India; 2 July, 2005.
• Short of funds, BEST looks to solar power; Olav Albuquerque; Times of India; pg 3; 2005-07-08.
• Exit clause introduced in BEST-TPC pact; Times News Network; pg-4; Times of India; 2005-07-07.
• BEST to hire buses from private operators; Olav Albuquerque; Times of India; pg 7; 2005-06-04.
• You could now approach BEST for some loose change; Olav Albuquerque/TNN; Times of India; pg 3; 2005-07-06.