BEST's car park scheme at depots draws 50 motorists in Mumbai

MUMBAI: At least 50 car owners have started using BEST's parking scheme for private vehicles at its 27 depots in the city.
The scheme is for all categories of vehicles, including tourist and school buses, the owners of which were the first to buy into the plan, beginning August 1. The parking charges are Rs 3,080 per month for a car and Rs 3,700 per month for a private bus.
The aim is to help BMC and traffic police to unclog roads, rendered narrow because of unauthorized parking."We have received 15 minibuses and two private cars at the Colaba depot. The response is picking up at other depots as well. Apart from monthly parking, we have vehicles coming in and parking for three to six hours as well," said BEST spokesperson Hanumant Gophane.
But there's skepticism about the scheme as well. Motorist Chetan Agarwal, who regularly drives his SUV from Mulund to south Mumbai, said, "The fact that BEST has provided an alternative parking facility for private cars is welcome. But how many of us will go to areas close to the depots? The scheme will be used by a select few. Also, in many cases, the depots are not close to commercial hubs."
Another motorist, Mihir Sachdev, said, "Parking is a challenge in the city. At some places such as Fort, parking rates by private contractors are as high as Rs 180 for eight hours. In comparison, BEST's rates are cheap. It is a good move, but let us see how many motorists would be willing to park their cars on BEST premises." The rate for a three-hour parking at any BEST depot is Rs 30 per car. This works well for depots that are close to residential and commercial hubs. For example, the Colaba depot is close to the Causeway, known for its restaurants and shops, the Gateway of India, and several residential colonies.