Why double decker bus stopped in Mumbai?

Time for Red Double-Decker buses to get off in Mumbai


Red double-decker buses that are running on Mumbai roads will now stop running there.


Some have already been stopped and the left will stop providing service from October 2023.


The Red double-decker buses have provided their service to the people of Mumbai since 1937.


It is one of the most used public transport in Mumbai. These buses have become iconic in Mumbai.


The main reasons to stop them is

  • They consume more fuel.
  • Their spare parts were costly.
  • These reasons lead to their operating costs.
  • Some buses have also completed their lifespan.
  • Moreover, they were not environmentally friendly.
  • New electric double-decker buses are to be launched, which are eco- buses. 

So a decision has been taken and no new buses after 2008 have been launched. 


Some double-decker busses have already left the road with time.


And the decision is being taken by the authorities to call off the remaining buses as they are going to introduce new electric double-decker buses.


Red Double Decker bus Mumbai

Source: Photo by Ronak 🌟 on Unsplash


In August 2023, the first electric double-decker AC bus was launched in the city.


These buses are considered eco-friendly. They have many other facilities:

  • Such as Automatic doors
  • Mobile charging 
  • CCTV cameras

Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has decided to come up with 900 e-buses step-by-step till the end of July 2024.


These buses will operate from 12 different bus depots. Out of them, 25 buses are already in operation.


These old red double-decker buses have played an important role in the daily to daily life of Mumbai people.


These double-decker buses have also been used in many Bollywood films.


Mumbai people have many memories relating to this bus.


One of these buses will be preserved at a museum representing its iconic role in Mumbai's history.