End of an Era: Mumbai’s red double-decker buses retire after 80 years
The group "Aapli BEST Aaplyasathi" has reached out to a number of important figures, making a passionate plea to save the double-decker buses. They're committed to keep these iconic vehicles from fading into oblivion, much like Mumbai's original public transport-- the trams.
It’s the end of an era for Mumbai as its iconic red double-decker buses will be retiring from the roads on September 15th. These vehicles have proudly served as the backbone of the city’s public transportation network for over 80 years, richly contributing to Mumbai’s vibrant street culture.
Iconic Red Double-decker Buses Retirement
The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, responsible for the city’s public transport system, announced this decision recently. Apart from the regular city buses, the open-deck double-decker buses, which have been delighting tourists with panoramic city views since the 1990s, are also set to cease operations by the first week of October.
Legacy of the Red Double-decker Buses
The red double-decker buses first found their way into Mumbai’s landscape in 1937, quickly becoming a defining symbol of the city. In the early 1990s, BEST boasted around 900 double-decker , but this number has been declining steadily since the mid-90s.
Reasons for Discontinuation
Post-2008, BEST ceased to add new double-decker buses to its fleet owing to their high operating cost. Since February this year, the traditional red double-deckers have been gradually replaced by leased battery-powered red and black. As of now, about 25 such eco-friendly have started serving the commuters.
Plans for the Future
BEST announced last week its plans to introduce open-deck specifically tailored for sight-seeing purposes and is in the process of acquiring these vehicles. Meanwhile, the newly introduced battery-run double-decker will cater to tourists.
Mourning the Departure of the Old Classics
“As the new double-decker are air-conditioned, we will miss sitting in the front in the old buses and traveling with the breeze from the open windows on our faces,” recalls Harshad Joshi, a bus enthusiast, expressing his nostalgia for the iconic red double-deckers.
In a heartfelt effort to prevent the demise of these iconic, the commuter’s body “Aapli BEST Aaplyasathi” has reached out to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BMC chief Iqbal Singh Chahal, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and the BEST’s general manager urging them to save these from facing the same fate as the city’s trams, the first mode of public transport in Mumbai.
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