If you’re a person who has spent more than two or three decades in Mumbai, surely, you must have noticed these iconic double-decker buses plying through the city. These buses became more than just a mode of transportation, they became a part of the unique urban cultural experience of Mumbai. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any art commemorating Mumbai without these iconic vehicles featured in it. However, the city recently bid farewell to this iconic bus.
Mumbaikars Bid Adieu To The Iconic Double-Decker Bus
Goodbye Double-Decker Bus.
The Last Double Decker bus (non-AC) leaving from Marol Depot today morning pic.twitter.com/fSE0ygABij— Mumbai Heritage (@mumbaiheritage) September 15, 2023
If you’ve lived in Mumbai your whole life, you know that it is a nostalgic city that loves reminiscing over its past. The city recently bade farewell to one of its most popular and iconic vehicles, the double-decker BEST bus. That’s right!
After reigning over the roads of Mumbai for 80 long years, the non-AC double-decker bus is finally, officially, phased out. The last of this iconic two-tiered bus left the Marol Depot today and a video of it leaving was posted on X (formerly, Twitter).
The short video showed the bus decorated with balloons leaving the bus depot in Marol. The bus was numbered 415 which plies between Agarkar Chowk and SEEPZ. The bus was systematically phased out and replaced with AC buses which are, though significantly more comfortable, lack the sense of history, nostalgia and familiarity of the old buses.
Also Read: Mumbai: 400 BEST Buses That Were Discontinued After Gas Leak & Fire To Join The Fleet Again
Netizens Bid A Tearful Goodbye
One of the first double-decker routes in Mumbai ran from Colaba in the south to Mahim in central Mumbai.
Double-decker buses were introduced in 1937 to cope better with the growing traffic pic.twitter.com/GYqxSfsxMl— Mumbai Heritage (@mumbaiheritage) September 15, 2023
The video incited several emotional responses from netizens who felt sentimental over the loss of this iconic bus. Mumbai Heritage, the handle that posted the video also posted a photograph of one of the first double-decker buses that were introduced.
Many said that the sight of these buses brought them comfort and that they would miss it on the roads of Mumbai. It was announced earlier that from September 15 onwards, these buses would go off-road. The bus was introduced in the year 1937 and since then, it has served the people of the city relentlessly.
What are some of your favourite memories of travelling on this iconic bus? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image Credits: @mumbaiheritage/X (Formerly, Twitter) and Wikimedia Commons