Mumbai bus strike hits commuters hard

Life came to a standstill as buses remained off Mumbai roads for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded across the metropolis.

Drivers and conductors went on strike on Tuesday in protest against imposition of a new computerised scheduling system.

The transportation wing of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) operates a large number of buses in Mumbai.

Bus drivers and conductors said the new system would increase their workload.

The union representing bus drivers and conductors expressed their discontent over the new system, making it inconvenient for the passengers to commute.

"Since yesterday it has become difficult to commute by trains and taxis. There is lot of rush for the taxis and we are unable to get one on time. We are facing lot of problems," said a commuter, Sunil Ambolkar.

Commuters also said they should have been informed about the strike well in advance to avoid the hassle.

Another commuter, Ganesh, highlighted the misery of the people and specially the old.

"The bus strike has entered second day but the government is doing nothing. The government should provide us with an alternative such as cars but it has failed to provide anything. The young people can still manage but the old people are having a tough time," he said.

Office-goers and school children were the worst sufferers of the strike.

Around 3,500 buses went off the roads and nearly half of the BEST staff had agreed to the new scheduling system by Monday.

Reportedly, BEST has suspended many workers for opposing the new system.

The management has also called the unions for discussions with an aim to end their strike.