Oil Price rise is a issue that affects everything and everyone. Recent increase in Petrol price in India has made everything costlier.
Increase in fuel price increase cost everywhere from industry ,transportation ,travelling, food, and commodity price rise. In other words it affects each and every sphere of our life.
In Mumbai majority of commuters use Local trains for transport majorly for long distance travel.
Second option is the B.E.S.T. bus.
And for quick and comfortable travel people prefer auto rickshaw.
Due to the massive price rise in petrol, price of B.E.S.T. and rickshaw commute has gone up.
But since the recent B.E.S.T. price rise is steep, I think now rickshaw is a better transport than Bus.
I remember when the minimum bus fair was Rs 3 and BEST was then a very affordable transport than rickshaws.
I also clearly remember the Rs.20 daily pass along with Rs.500 monthly pass scheme that was a huge hit. Once a Rs.20 ticket was purchased nothing than B.E.S.T. bus would be the first site of the commuter.
B.E.S.T. recently had a steep price rise which drilled a large hole in the pocket of daily commuters. Travelling by B.E.S.T. was never a more costly affair than now. Recent travel from College in Versova to Andheri station has led me to think that whether travelling by rickshaw has more benefits than B.E.S.T. buses.
Why B.E.S.T. bus is not a good option now.
- Recent price rise by B.E.S.T. is very high. It is more for longer distances.
- Buses are over crowded many a times. So it becomes very uncomfortable standing for long distances. The passage way gets crowded and get splits in to 2 lines or sometimes 3 with a conductor moving here and there squeezing his way to perform his duty.
- Waiting time for bus is a major issue now. We have to stand at the bus stop in line for the bus. Also B.E.S.T. buses are late many a times due to traffic conditions in Mumbai. Once you miss a bus you have wasted 15-30 mins and the next bus will be more crowded.
- Also you get a bus only at a bus stop. If the bus stop is fairly far from your house or work it will add to the walking time and more uncertainty of getting the bus.
- I think the current reservation of one half row for ladies has caused more overcrowding than before. This is the main reason for over crowding in bus according to me (No offence.. My personal view).
- Also current daily pass of 40 rs is not affordable scheme. I don't think 40 rupees can be easily recovered. also this requires you to purchase id for the the ticket.
Why I think Rickshaw is more affordable now.
- Rickshaw are know for their high price but we will talk about it now.
- Rickshaw can be known for their comfort level. Since it is open from all sides and the cool breeze coming is a great way to travel in Mumbai
- Rickshaw are easily available. Their availability in areas where buses cant reach makes them a choice for elderly and handicapped. No requirement of waiting in line.
- Rickshaw, since a private medium of travel, reach faster at the destination.
- Also the current initiative by the government to replace all meters with electronic ones will result in lower cheating by rickshaw wallas.
Sharing a rickshaw makes it more affordable than the B.E.S.T. buses. For example travelling for Versova Four bungalows (From our college ) to Andheri Station takes 7 per head in B.E.S.T. Frequency of bus is 30 min.While travelling by rickshaw is 24-30. SO when 3 of our friends share a rickshaw it becomes very affordable looking at the time it saves and comfort it provides.
Well these are my opinion yours may differ feel free to express them in the comments.
No comments:
Post a Comment