Mumbai Bids Goodbye To The Iconic Red Double-Decker Bus

Mumbai: The iconic red double-decker buses will no longer be seen on Mumbai roads after today.

Having served the city for over eight decades, the last service of these non-AC double-decker buses left Marol depot on Friday morning.

The open-roof double-decker buses for tourists, used for sightseeing since the early 1900s, will be withdrawn from October 5, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) informed.

However, commuters can avail of the red-and-black airconditioned double-decker buses, which BEST introduced in February.

“Currently, just seven double-decker buses, including three open-deck buses, are left in the BEST’s fleet. As these vehicles are completing 15 years of their codal life, the double-decker buses will forever go off roads from September 15, while the open-deck buses will be pulled out on October 5,” PTI quoted a BEST spokesperson as saying.

Netizens turned nostalgic and recalled their fond memories of the red buses.

“Spent my college life commuting in double-decker buses whenever the route allowed. To get the front seat on the upper level was the best. Especially in the monsoon,” wrote an X user.

“My last ride today on Mumbai;s iconic and favourite vehicle – the Red double decker BEST bus. I have fond memories of travelling on this bus during my childhood days, especially on the top deck window seat. Bye Bye Double decker BEST bus,” tweeted another person.

The red double-decker buses, introduced in 1937, became a symbol of Mumbai’s identity over the years and has featured in a number of films and songs.

BEST stopped acquiring new double-decker buses in 2008 due to operational and maintenance reasons.

Moving with the times, AC double-decker buses as well as open-deck buses for sightseeing are being brought in.