MUMBAI: A spokesperson from the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking announced that Mumbai's renowned red double-decker buses will bid adieu to the city's streets this week. Furthermore, the open-top double-decker buses will vanish from the cityscape during the initial week of October.
In an official declaration, a BEST representative stated, "At present, only seven double-decker buses, including three with open decks, remain in the BEST fleet." The spokesperson continued, "These vehicles have reached the end of their operational lifespan, having served for 15 years. Consequently, the double-decker buses will be retired indefinitely starting from September 15, while the open-deck buses will be withdrawn on October 5."
In response to this development, commuter organizations and avid bus enthusiasts have implored BEST to preserve at least two of these iconic vehicles at their Anik depot-based museum. They have also sent letters to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, the Tourism Minister, and the BEST administration.
Harshad Joshi, a passionate bus aficionado, lamented, "With the introduction of the new air-conditioned double-decker e-buses, we will miss the experience of sitting at the front of the old buses and enjoying the breeze through the open windows."
Siddhesh Mhatre, the working president of 'Aapli BEST Aaplyasathi,' reminisced, "In 1964, trams disappeared from the city's roads forever, including both single and double-decker trams, none of which were preserved. Subsequently, a tram from Kolkata was brought here for display but succumbed to corrosion. Finally, it was restored a few years ago and showcased at Boribandar."
In the early 1990s, BEST boasted a fleet of approximately 900 double-decker buses, but their numbers dwindled steadily after the mid-90s. These red double-decker buses have been an enduring symbol of the city since their introduction in 1937 and have even made appearances in Bollywood songs filmed in Mumbai.
Post-2008, the BEST administration ceased the procurement of double-decker buses. In February of this year, they initiated the replacement of these iconic buses with leased red and black double-decker buses powered by batteries. To date, approximately 25 of these buses have been integrated into the city's transport network.
Notably, BEST recently announced its plans to acquire open-top deck buses for sightseeing, with the procurement process already underway. Until then, the new battery-operated double-decker e-buses will serve tourists exploring the city.
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