``The figures only prove that the BEST undertaking's affairs are being managed excellently. I can proudly say BEST is one of the best transport services in India, serving about 4.5 million commuters every day, and the undertaking will continue to give efficient services to Mumbaikars in the near future,'' Satam said.

The BEST currently has a fleet of 3,469 buses, and the number is expected to increase to 3,508 by the end of March 2000, which will include non-air-conditioned luxury buses, AC buses, and also Midi buses for commuters, the mayor informed.

Thebudgetary income for the year 1999-2000 for both the transport and electricity supply divisions is estimated to be Rs 1841.98 crore, as against the budgetary expenditure of Rs 1835.12 crore, thereby leaving a surplus of 6.86 crore.

Of the surplus, he added, it was proposed to transfer Rs 40 lakh to the BMC as statutory contributions, and the remaining sum of Rs 6.46 crore is proposed to be transferred to the Generation of Electricity Fund.

Keeping the capital expenditure budget for the year 1999-2000 as Rs 180.94 crore, some of the major activities proposed by BEST include setting up of two new receiving stations at Lower Parel and Backbay, 40 distribution sub-stations in different parts of the city to minimise power failures, and improvement of street lightings under the Mega City Project.