All the 'BEST'

The best part of Mumbai city, apart from it's multicultural mix of people, is the excellent transport system without which this nagariya would go down the dagariya. The lifeline of the city as many call it, just got another shot in the arm. BEST, Bombay Electrical State Transport has re-introduced AC buses which ferry Mumbaikars across the length & breadth of the city. A much needed respite for Mumbaikars who hang for dear life till they reach their destination. All this while exchanging bodily odors that unify this populace into a noisome lot of working class irrespective of the background of the individuals.

I was thrilled with this new upgradation but what really got me hooked on to it was the Rs.1000/- pass. One had to make a monthly payment of Rs.1000/- and then Mumbai was waiting to be discovered. I could travel in this AC bus to the farther corners of Mumbai without paying a penny. To get this pass I had to go to a depot with a photo, Rs. 1000 plus some additional 10 or 20 rupees and register. Post that I got a GO Smart card, something which looked like a swipe card alongwith a photo identity card. My happiness knew no bounds, I went bus hopping changing my routes whenever I felt I had to beat the traffic. I never ever took a rickshaw even for the smallest of distances. This was unbelievable, totally world class. It made me feel proud as I had experienced something similar in London with an Oyestar card. I gave ample PR to BEST went about propagating this new card system to all and sundry. Until one day, my wallet got stolen and I lost my card.

I still had a ray of hope as the photo identity was still with me and it could've been matched to my cell phone number which was taken while registering. I was hopeful.Maybe just maybe they would issue me a new card. Of course, charging me for the card itself.But none of this happened. My trip to the depot close to my house was a major let down. I was asked to buy another pass all for Rs. 1000/- plus some 10 or 20 rupees additionally. They couldn't help it if I lost my pass, so what if that meant I would have to spend double that month for traveling. They issued me a pass and I should guard it with my life. So big deal if I have a photo identity card which proves I am the rightful owner of that card. So what if they have issued me an electronic bill which can easily track my payment as a verification. I should've been more responsible.

So for all those who've taken this Go smart card or are planning to take it. Please do take the benefit of this scheme, but make sure you guard it like you would your life because if you lose it ain't going to get it back...