As rains drenched the city on Tuesday, BEST buses had to take a detour or pass through waterlogged roads. Taxis and auto rickshaws were also less on road due to inundation. There were at least 15-20 per cent fewer black and yellow taxis and autos on roads.
However, even several autos and taxis refused to ferry passengers. The buses run by Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) saw multiple diversions throughout the day and were delayed as well.
According to BEST officials, they diverted at least 50 bus routes as 11 roads were affected by waterlogging.
"The scheduled number of buses were 3,651 out of which until 7.25 pm, the actual turnout was 3,491," said BEST spokesperson Manoj Varade.
During the peak hours, especially in the evening, the buses and bus stops were crowded. During the first half of the day, there were at least five major roads on which diversions and delays were seen while the remaining six roads were affected in the second half. The most affected routes were passing via Hindmata, Maheshwari Udyan and Gandhi Market.
The heavy rains dissuaded the drivers from bringing the black and yellow taxis of public transport on road. The unions claim that around 15- 20 per cent of autos and taxis were not on the roads.
"Due to rains, many taxis weren't running on the roads. We expect around 20 per cent to be off-road. Also, people were also less due to heavy rains," said A Quadros, veteran taxi union leader.
The drivers claimed that it becomes a task to ride during rains as it gets stuffy keeping windows down and if we open the windows then our seats get wet. Similarly, the auto drivers claim that due to the potholes, their vehicles get damaged especially in rains.
"Around 15 per cent of autos could be easily off-road. The problem that drivers face is that during waterlogging, the potholes are not visible and this affects the suspension of the vehicle and even the CNG tank," said auto rickshaw union leader Thampi Kurien.
