Mumbai's BEST Bus Turns 100

Mumbai's iconic BEST bus service has turned 100 years old. On Wednesday, around 40 transport enthusiasts recreated the historic journey from Afghan Church in Colaba to Crawford Market to mark the occasion.

The commemorative ride followed the original 'A' route, making stops along the way to document the historic journey. The group hired a single-decker BEST bus for the occasion. On the return trip, they celebrated the centenary outside the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya by cutting a cake before taking the bus through the Coastal Road, Worli, Dadar and Wadala.

The first BEST bus was launched on July 15, 1926, after years of debate over whether Mumbai should introduce trolley buses or motor buses. The company finally chose motor buses in February 1926, citing greater flexibility and lower infrastructure costs. The first bus was a 20-seater A2-class vehicle built by British company Thornycroft, with 45 buses arriving in the first batch.

From a fleet of just 24 buses in 1926, BEST has grown into one of the country's largest public bus operators, carrying around 25 lakh passengers every day on more than 400 routes across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mira-Bhayander. However, its current fleet of 2,804 buses includes only 249 owned by BEST, while the remaining 2,555 operate under the wet lease model.

Despite its success, BEST faces serious financial and operational challenges. Transport activist A.V. Shenoy said the undertaking requires comprehensive administrative and financial reforms. Urban transport researcher Suvedh Jaywant warned that without sustained investment in BEST, Mumbai risks creating a fragmented public transport system that is less accessible, more congested and increasingly dependent on private mobility.

The celebration honoured BEST's rich legacy, but also highlighted the need for urgent reforms to secure its future. As Mumbai continues to grow and develop, the importance of a reliable and efficient public transport system cannot be overstated. BEST has played a vital role in the city's development over the past 100 years, and it is essential that it continues to receive the support and investment it needs to thrive.

The centenary celebration was a reminder of the importance of preserving Mumbai's heritage and history. The Afghan Church to Crawford Market route is a significant part of the city's history, and the commemorative ride was a fitting tribute to the city's iconic bus service.

As BEST looks to the future, it is clear that there are challenges ahead. However, with the right support and investment, the undertaking can continue to provide a vital service to the people of Mumbai. The city's residents rely on BEST to get them where they need to go, and it is essential that the service continues to be reliable, efficient and accessible to all.

In conclusion, the 100th anniversary of Mumbai's BEST bus service is a significant milestone in the city's history. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is essential that BEST receives the support and investment it needs to thrive. With its rich legacy and importance to the city's transport system, BEST is an undertaking that deserves to be preserved and protected for generations to come.

The future of BEST is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the undertaking has played a vital role in the city's development over the past 100 years, and it will continue to do so for many years to come. As Mumbai looks to the future, it is essential that BEST is at the forefront of the city's transport plans, providing a reliable and efficient service to the people of Mumbai.

Mumbai's BEST bus service has come a long way since its inception in 1926. From a small fleet of 24 buses to a massive network of over 400 routes, BEST has grown to become one of the largest public bus operators in the country. As the city celebrates this significant milestone, it is a reminder of the importance of preserving Mumbai's heritage and history. The BEST bus service is an iconic part of the city's identity, and it is essential that it continues to receive the support and investment it needs to thrive.

The celebration of BEST's 100th anniversary is not just a tribute to the past, but also a reminder of the challenges ahead. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is essential that BEST adapts to the changing needs of its residents. With the right support and investment, the undertaking can continue to provide a vital service to the people of Mumbai, and remain an iconic part of the city's identity for generations to come.

In the end, the 100th anniversary of Mumbai's BEST bus service is a celebration of the city's rich history and heritage. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving the past, while also looking to the future. As Mumbai continues to grow and develop, it is essential that BEST remains at the forefront of the city's transport plans, providing a reliable and efficient service to the people of Mumbai.

What it means for Mumbai is that the city's transport system is at a crossroads. With the rapid expansion of Metro services and the rise of app-based taxis, there is a risk that the city's public transport system becomes fragmented and less accessible. However, with the right support and investment in BEST, the undertaking can continue to provide a vital service to the people of Mumbai, and remain an iconic part of the city's identity for generations to come.

The future of Mumbai's transport system is uncertain, but one thing is clear: BEST has played a vital role in the city's development over the past 100 years, and it will continue to do so for many years to come. As the city looks to the future, it is essential that BEST is at the forefront of the city's transport plans, providing a reliable and efficient service to the people of Mumbai.