Mumbai bid a bittersweet farewell to its iconic red double-decker buses on September 16, 2023. These beloved vehicles, which had graced the city's streets for over 80 years, were not just a means of transport but had also become cultural symbols featured in Bollywood films and songs. Their open-top design offered passengers panoramic views of Mumbai. Although outdated and inefficient, they held a special place in the hearts of residents. In their stead, 25 modern battery-powered double-decker buses have been introduced to enhance transportation and reduce emissions. The retired red double-decker buses will be remembered as a cherished part of Mumbai's history.
On September 16, 2023, the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) company bid farewell to the iconic red double-decker buses that have graced the streets of Mumbai for over 80 years. These buses have played a vital role in the city's transportation system, serving Mumbaikars faithfully for 80 long years. The double-decker buses had become a beloved symbol of Mumbai's public transport.
These iconic red double-decker buses had been featured in numerous Bollywood films and songs, becoming an integral part of Mumbai's cultural landscape. They provided joy rides for children and elderly passengers alike. With their open-top design, these buses offered a panoramic view of the city, a feature cherished by many Mumbaikars.
However, with time, these buses had grown old, inefficient, and outdated, potentially contributing to increased carbon emissions. While they were once the most efficient mode of transportation, capable of carrying more passengers than regular buses, they were no longer sustainable.
As part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve Mumbai's transportation system, the BEST company decided to retire the red double-decker buses. The last three open double-decker buses will also be taken off the roads on October 5th. In their place, 25 battery-powered red and black double-decker buses have been deployed to maintain efficient public transportation in the city.
While the new electric buses are more advanced and environmentally friendly, many Mumbaikars still have a deep emotional attachment to the old diesel-run double-decker buses. These buses were more than just a mode of transport; they were a part of Mumbai's identity and carried cherished childhood memories for generations.
The iconic red double-decker buses will find their place in museums, preserving their legacy for future generations. These buses have been a part of Mumbai's landscape even before India gained independence, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of its residents.
Although the new buses offer air conditioning and modern amenities, some Mumbaikars will miss the natural breeze that used to flow through the windows of the old double-decker buses. The farewell to these iconic buses marks the end of an era, but their memories will live on in the hearts of Mumbaikars and in the annals of the city's history.
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