The iconic red double-decker bus was officially retired from service in September 2023. The final non-AC double-decker bus has now found a new home at the Anik depot, where it has been preserved as part of a unique initiative by BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport).
According to a report by Maharashtra Times, the retired bus has been transformed into a ‘Memorial Bus’ to allow Mumbaikars to relive the nostalgia associated with this iconic mode of transport. The initiative aims to showcase the historical significance, cinematic presence, and social contributions of the double-decker bus, while also celebrating its cultural legacy.
The 'Memorial Bus' also serving as a mobile museum features information panels on both decks that chronicle the journey of the double-decker in Mumbai. An LCD screen has been installed on the lower deck to share audio-visual content about its history, enhancing the experience for visitors. This educational display will offer current and future generations an opportunity to understand the bus's role in shaping the city's urban transit story. BEST Day, celebrated annually on August 7, will mark the formal introduction of the Memorial Bus to the public.
Tracing its legacy, the first BEST bus was launched on July 15, 1926, at a time when trams were the primary mode of public transport in Mumbai. The first double-decker bus entered service on December 8, 1937, offering a solution to the limited passenger capacity of single-decker buses. For decades, these towering red buses became an integral part of the city’s visual identity.
However, the number of double-decker buses gradually declined over the years due to their 15-year operational lifespan, rising maintenance costs, and technical challenges. Their last chapter ended in September 2023 when the final non-AC double-decker bus was withdrawn from service.
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To preserve this slice of history, the BEST administration, led by Yatin Pimple, Assistant Director of the Personnel Department, decided to convert the last remaining vehicle into a tribute. Visitors at the Anik depot museum can now explore this 'Smarak Bus' and engage with its legacy through visual and informational exhibits.