End Of An Era, Last Double-decker Bus Bids Goodbye (image-www.twitter/maha7arindam)
Friday marked the end of an era as the iconic non-AC diesel double decker bid its farewell in Mumbai. One last time the bus ran in Andheri along with the passengers and bus fans.
“Everyone take the old-style ticket. Today is this bus’s last day. Make your travel memorable,” said the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) bus conductor, Gopal Sukte, while issuing vintage bus tickets to the passengers on the upper deck of the iconic red double-decker bus after it started from Seepz Bus depot, as per The Hindhu.
The double decker bus made trips till 9:30pm between Agarkar Chowk and SEEPZ, Andheri East. Friday the bus was filled with passengers to cherish the experience one last time.
After 86 years of servicing across various routes in Mumbai, the BEST authorities decided to replace them with leased battery-run red and black double-decker buses and so far, about 25 such buses have been introduced. The buses introduced in 1937 was replaced as a part of modernisation and operational cost.
In the early 1990s, the BEST had a fleet of around 900 double-decker buses, but the changing times and high operating costs, apart from layovers across the city, led to the gradual decline after the mid-90s.
As per the RTO rule, buses which have completed 15 years of service must retire and hence the last non-ac bus had to stop too after its successful completion of 15-year service.
Rupesh Sheletkar, president of Aapli BEST Aaplyachsathi, a group of like-minded people, said they celebrated the occasion at Andheri. They cut a cake and decorated the bus with flowers and balloons to mark the special occasion, The IndianExpress reported.
Sheletkar also added that they have decided to preserve the iconic bus at its Arnik bus museum in Sion for future generation to look into.
The administration has also decided to assure the continuous running of 16 AC double decker buses. An additional 20 open double decker buses will also be purchased soon.
Recently, Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra group posted on his twitter handle mentioning the iconic double decker bus in Mumbai. He wrote,”Hello, Mumbai Police? I’d like to report the theft of one of my most important childhood memories. ”
