The much touted Metro Pheri bus service from Oshiwara in western suburb of Andheri goes literally empty, even during wee-hours. BEST officials, however, believe little publicity as reason for this.

The so called BEST's ‘profitable venture’, Metro Pheri 1 and Metro Pheri 2 were launched on June 25. However, the people believe these as a flop scheme. "A couple of days back all routes were running packed due to heavy showers, except the Metro Pheri. These buses could be used elsewhere," Gopinath Pawar, a call centre executive, said.

The BEST administration rues over unlawful parking by auto drivers close to the exit bridges of Metro stations who picks up passengers even before they can reach bus stops.

Suffering loss, the BEST recently pulled out its services along the Andheri-Ghatkopar strip and is now depending on the feeder routes to make profits.

Ajit Seth, a resident of Four Bungalows, said, ‘The Metro line runs along the arterial JP Road, where already several buses ply.’