Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport

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Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking
Formerly1873 as Bombay Tramway Company Limited (Horsecar)
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1905 as Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company Limited (BEST) (Tramways and Electricity)
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1947 as Bombay Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) (Transport and Electricity)
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1995 as Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) (Transport and Electricity)
Company typeAutonomous State-owned enterprise
Industry Public transport -
Tram (1873–1964),
Trolleybus (1962-1971),
Bus (1926–present)
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Electricity (1905–present)
Founded Mumbai (1873)
HeadquartersElectric House, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Key people
Vijay Singhal , GM; Chairman - Ashish Chemburkar
RevenueIncrease2.svg 2,353.4 million ($538.7m USD) (2004)
Decrease2.svg₹620.4 million. ($14.2m USD) (2004)
Number of employees
44000 (2005)
Parent Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
Website www.bestundertaking.com

The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) is a civic transport and electricity provider public body based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It was originally set up in 1873 as a tramway company called "Bombay Tramway Company Limited". The company set up a captive thermal power station at the Wadi bunder in November 1905 to generate electricity for its trams and positioned it to also supply electricity to the city and re-branded itself to "Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways (BEST)" Company. In 1926, BEST also became an operator of motor buses. In 1947, the BEST became an undertaking of the Municipal Corporation and rebranded itself to "Bombay Electric Supply & Transport (BEST)". In 1995 the organisation was renamed to "Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST)" alongside Mumbai. It now operates as an autonomous body under the Municipal Corporation.

Contents

BEST operates one of India's largest fleets of buses. The bus transport service covers the entire city and also extends its operations outside city limits into neighbouring urban areas. In addition to buses, it also operates a ferry service in the northern reaches of the city. The electricity division of the organisation is also one of the few electricity departments in India to garner an annual gross profit.

History

1865–1873: Early proposals

The idea of a mass public transport system for Bombay was first put forward in 1865 by an American company, which applied for a licence to operate a horse-drawn tramway system. Although a licence was granted, the project was never realized due to the prevailing economic depression in the city due to the end of the American Civil War, during which Bombay had made vast strides in its economy by supplying cotton and textiles to the world market. On 27 November 1871, a notice in the Times of India newspaper found to be too expensive and the tender was promptly abandoned.

1873–1905: Bombay Tramway Company Limited, introduction of horse-drawn trams

The "Bombay Tramway Company Limited" was formally set up in 1873. After a contract was entered into between the Bombay Tramway Company, the municipality and Stearns and Kitteredge company, the Bombay Presidency enacted "The Bombay Tramways Act, 1874", under which the company was licensed to run a horsecar tramway service in the city. [1] On 9 May 1874, the first horse-drawn tram made its début in the city, plying on the ColabaPydhone via Crawford Market, and Bori Bunder to Pydhonie via Kalbadevi routes. The initial fare was three annas (15 paise) , and no tickets were issued. As the service became increasingly popular, the fare was reduced to two annas (10 paise). Later that year, tickets were issued for the first time to curb increasing ticketless travel. [2] Stearns and Kitteredge reportedly had a stable of 900 horses when tram service began.

In 1882 the municipality entered into an agreement with the Eastern Electric Light and Power Company to provide electric lighting in the Crawford Market and on some of the roads. But the company went into liquidation the following year and the market reverted to gas lighting. In 1899, Bombay Tramway Company applied to the municipality, for operation of electrically operated trams. Due to the high investment required, the company suggested that the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) should waive its right to take over the tramways, which was to take place in 1901 according to the Bombay Tramways Act. Instead, the BMC decided to take over the company, but was met with several legal problems. In 1904 the British Electric Traction Company (England) applied for a license to supply electricity to the city. The "Brush Electrical Engineering Company" was its agent. It got "The Bombay Electric License" on 31 July 1905 signed by Bombay Tramways Company, the Bombay Municipality and its agent, the Brush Electrical Company.

1905–1947: Bombay Electric Supply & Tramway Company Limited, introduction of electric trams and buses

City's first electric tram in 1907 BEST-early-trams.jpg
City's first electric tram in 1907
Gas lamps of the early 20th century BEST-gas-lamp.jpg
Gas lamps of the early 20th century

In 1905, "Bombay Electric Supply & Tramway Company Limited" (B.E.S.T.) was formed. The B.E.S.T. Company was granted the monopoly for electric supply and the running of an electric tram service in the city. It bought the assets of the Bombay Tramway Company for 9,850,000. [3] Two years later in 1907, the first electric tram debuted in the city. Later that year, a 4,300 kilowatts (5,800 hp) steam power generator was commissioned at Wari Bunder. In 1916, the Tata Power group began purchasing power and by 1925, all power generation was outsourced from Tata. [4] The passing years aggravated the problem of rush-hour traffic and to ease the situation, double-decker trams were introduced in September 1920.

B E S & T Co. Ltd. 1 Anna Token Booklet with advertisement of Bombay Mutual Life Insurance Bombay B E S & T Co. Ltd. 1 Anna Token.jpg
B E S & T Co. Ltd. 1 Anna Token Booklet with advertisement of Bombay Mutual Life Insurance
The city's first bus in 1926. BEST-first-bus-1926.jpg
The city's first bus in 1926.

Since 1913, the company had been pondering over starting a motorised bus service. The main factor against its introduction was the high accident rate for a similar service in London. After years of debate, the company came to a decision on 10 February 1926, to start a bus service later that year. Bombay saw its first bus run on 15 July 1926 between Afghan Church and Crawford Market. The people of Bombay received the bus with enthusiasm, but it took some time before this means of conveyance really established itself. Despite stiff opposition and protests by taxi drivers, the service ran without a hitch, transporting 600,000 passengers by the end of that year. The following year the number had increased to 3.8 million. For several years, it was looked upon as transport for the upper-middle class. Those were the days when the tram was the poor man's transport; it carried one all the way from the Sassoon Docks to Dadar. The bus fare for the same journey was 25 paise. In response to the pleas made by the Government and the Bombay Municipal Corporation, the company extended its services to the northern part of the city in 1934. The Indian independence movement's call for mass non-violent strikes and general civil disobedience led to regular service disruptions, leading to the company incurring huge losses in 1929. The next year was a particular bad year for the company in the wake of the Great Depression. To remain solvent, the company decided to introduce discounted fares for short routes, and increase its coverage to the northern portions of the city. In 1937, the introduction of double-decker buses proved to be extremely popular.

City's first double-decker tram in 1920 Best-doubledecker-tram.jpg
City's first double-decker tram in 1920

1947–1995: Bombay Electric Supply & Transport, further expansion

Pursuant to the option given to it under the deed of concession granted to the Bombay Electric Supply and Tramways Co. Ltd, the BMC acquired the assets of the combined undertaking, namely the operation of tramways and distribution of electricity in the city of Bombay as a going concern on 7 August 1947. By mutual agreement, the corporation also took over the operation of the bus services, which was run by the Bombay Electric Supply & Transport Company. Thus, "Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company" was renamed "Bombay Electric Supply & Transport". [5] [6]

As the company grew, it increased its fleet from 242 to 582 buses over the next decade. In 1949, it took over the Bandra Bus Company, which used to ply buses in the suburbs. [7] In 1951, the electricity division switched over from direct current (DC) to the more efficient alternating current (AC). The company launched its services in the eastern suburbs in 1955. That year, the Undertaking and private operators went to court with BEST asking for a complete closure of the private companies. The case dragged on for four years before the Supreme Court of India granted the organisation a complete monopoly over bus services in the Greater Bombay area. In 1964, due to high operational costs and poor public support, its long-running tram services were terminated. [8] The company became the first company in the country to issue computerised billing in 1974. In 1994, the company introduced electronic meters in a move to replace the less accurate electric meters.

A notable Chairman of BEST during this 1970's period was Kisan Mehta, who was known for his social activism. [9]

1995–present: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport, recent developments

With the renaming of the city from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995, the organization was renamed to "Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST)". Following a Supreme Court directive, the company gradually phased out old buses and introduced new buses which complied with the Euro III pollution control standards. [10] On 19 November 2004, route SPL-8 travelling from Churchgate to the World Trade Centre had started accepting cashless smart cards for automatic fare collection in BEST buses. BEST currently has over 3000 buses in its fleet and plans to increase the number of buses.

After the 9/11 bombings, BEST had installed an audio-visual surveillance system (CCTV) on each of its buses to monitor suspicious behavior on-board its vehicles but it is no longer done. Almost all buses had two LCD TVs per bus which showed BEST TV but it was discontinued. BEST had introduced A/C Cerita services on certain routes but due to high maintenance it got discontinued.

The A/C bus "AS-4" from Oshiwara Depot to Backbay Depot was the route with the highest revenue for BEST.

A new era for BEST began in 2019 when it revised its fare and increased bus fleet by inducting non-AC and AC buses on wet lease. Passenger numbers which were all-time low started to increase and in 2020 it achieved its passenger numbers which it had in 2012. Since 2019, BEST revenue has also improved, however it is still not in profit.

Organisational structure

Management structure of BEST BEST-management.png
Management structure of BEST

The company is headed by a general manager, currently Lokesh Chandra.

The transport department is overseen by a "Deputy General Manager (Traffic Operations)" who is assisted by the "Chief Manager (Traffic)." The 'Chief Manager (Traffic)' oversees the five BEST zones, each headed by a 'Dy. Chief Manager (traffic)'. Each zone consists of 7 to 8 depots, whose operations are overseen by an 'assistant general manager (Traffic Operation)'. A 'Depot Manager' or 'Dy. Depot Manager' heads each depot. [11]

The electricity department is headed by a "Deputy General Manager (Electric Supply)' (DGM (ES))," who is assisted by an "Assistant General Manager (Electric Supply)" (AGM (ES)), and is in charge of planning, new projects, construction, street lighting, computer applications and the generation cell. The "Chief Engineer – Electric Supply" (CEES) is in-charge of material testing and the Standards, Meters and Relays and the Review departments. Two "Chief Engineer – Distribution" (CED) officials manage the two administrative zones. [12]

BEST enjoys a high degree of autonomy under the BMC; the latter approves its yearly budget and permits increases in bus fares when required. A body of 17 municipal corporate officials from the ruling party in the BMC form the BEST committee. The committee, headed by a chairman, keeps a tab on the undertaking's daily operations. [13] The committee has a staggered two-year term.

Transport department

Rolling stock and depot

In 1936, the company owned 433 tram vehicles and 128 busses. [14]

As of May 2023, BEST has a fleet of 3,228 buses which includes BEST-owned buses and buses on wet lease. The fleet comprises 525 diesel single-decker buses, 2,250 CNG buses, 406 battery electric single-decker buses, 45 diesel double-decker buses and 2 battery electric double-decker buses. [15] The fleet numbers are dynamic due to the National Vehicle Scrappage Policy under which all State and Central government-owned vehicles older than 15 years (including buses owned by transport corporations) will be scrapped from 1 April 2023. These will be replaced by new vehicles running on alternative fuels. [16] [17]

BEST placed a 3,675 crore (US$460 million) order with Olectra Greentech to supply and maintain 2,100 battery electric single-decker buses for a 12 year period in May 2022. [18] In February 2023, India's first battery electric double-decker AC bus was deployed by BEST on the A- 115 route. [19] 200 of these Switch EiV 22 double-decker buses have been ordered from Switch Mobility to replace the existing diesel double-decker fleet. [17] [20] The target is to have a 100 percent electric fleet by 2027. [18]

BEST also have goods carrier buses, break-down vans, blue coloured sightseeing and party buses, tree cutting double decker buses and driving school buses which are used to train drivers. All buses are tagged with a route number and its corresponding destination. They are displayed in the front in Marathi and on the side in English. All buses have GPS devices installed which give real time information about arrival to management as well as passengers. Inside the bus there are LED indicators displaying route and destination as well as upcoming stop name in Marathi and English. The newer wet leased buses have cctv cameras installed but the older buses do not have cctv cameras. [21] All unit overhauling, repairing of body damages, tyre cut repairs, plant and equipment installation and repairs, and reclamation activities are carried out in the workshop. There are roughly 4,500 to 5,000 bus stops in Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Some of them are equipped with bus ETA system. The bus stops are of two types, shelter and pole. All bus stops have route numbers which stop and stop name in Marathi and English. They even have a unique code on all stops. Each bus has a unique number and depot code assigned to it. The depot codes are mentioned below.

Mostly all BEST buses are painted in standard original red colour with "BEST" logo in English and Marathi. There are different coloured stripes on these buses to indicated some features and type of fuel the bus uses. The following are the different stripes and its meaning :-

1. Yellow and Green strip- it indicates the bus is run on CNG.

2. Grey strip- it indicates the bus is run on Diesel. (These types are almost scrapped)

3. White strip- these are also run on diesel but are procured under MUTP-II and MUTP-III. (By 2023 these types will be scrapped)

4. Silver strip- it indicates the bus is electric powered.

5. Black, Yellow and Green strip- it indicates that a AC CNG bus is converted into non AC CNG bus. (They were earlier Purple coloured King Long AC buses)

Best has some special livery buses too with BEST logo on it.

1. Full grey coloured "Safety is our Motto" in red or white text livery.

2. Yellow and Black livery to indicate that the bus is hybrid and given by MMRDA.

3. Yellow and Pink livery to indicate ladies special 'Tejaswini' buses.

A BEST AC mini-bus Mumbai BEST Mini Feeder Bus 2020.jpg
A BEST AC mini-bus

Until BEST was taken over by the municipality, only the Colaba depot was available for the maintenance of buses and minor repairs. As the fleet grew, more depots were needed. In 1961 the fleet comprised 1045 buses. Six new depots were constructed for their maintenance. The Wadala depot was equipped for the maintenance of 300 buses. At this time it was the largest depot in Asia. After this, the authorities decided that no depot should be called on to look after more than 125 to 150 buses after taking long maintenance times into account. Accordingly, small depots were built at convenient spots in the city and its suburbs. The most recent depot was Kalakilla and Malad. Each depot is a work center that provides bus services effectively every day, carries out preventive maintenance, as well as repairs on buses. Depots carry out maintenance practices such as preventive maintenance, unit replacement, RTO passing, body damage repairs of buses. BEST buses are operated out of the 27 bus depot located in four zones viz. City, Central, Western, and Eastern Suburban zones. [22] [23]

In late 2019, BEST began operating air-conditioned mini-buses and midi-buses that were hired on a wet lease. BEST also plans to increase its fleet size to 6,00 buses by 2022. [24] [25] [26]

In April 2022, it came up with 100% digital buses with a ‘Tap in and Tap out’ ticketing system, making Mumbai the first city in India to get fully digital buses. [27] [28]

BEST Bus Depot List and Routes operated from each depot
No Depot Name in English Depot Name in Marathi Depot Code Inauguration Address Bus Route No. Bus Stations Major Operations
City Zone
1ColabaकुलाबाCElectric House, Colaba, Mumbai1, 6L, 25L (Double Decker), 103, 108, A111, A119, 113, 115 (Double Decker), 139, A139Colaba Depot, Chht. Shivaji Terminus, Ballard PierColaba, Chht. Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Fort, Churchgate, Malabar Hill, Nariman Point, Girgaon, Andheri (E), Bandra (W), Mahul
2BackbayबॅकबेBB1976Cuffe Parade Road, Backbay, Mumbai3, 25, 45, 100, 106, A25, A106, 112, A112, 115, A115, A116, A120, A121, 122, 134, A134, A136, A137, A138, 8SPL, 9SPL, Airport Service, HO-HO ServiceBackbay Depot, Navy Nagar, Colaba Bus Stn., Ahilyabai Holkar Chk.Backbay, Nariman Point, Churchgate, Byculla, Colaba, Antop Hill, Sion, Kurla, Mahul, Mantralaya, Malabar Hill, Nepean Sea Road, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Gateway of India, Charni Road, Opera House (Girgaon), Tardeo, Sewree, Ballard Pier
3Mumbai Centralमुंबई सेंट्रलCN1950Morland Road, Byculla, Mumbai42, 49, 63, A63, A102, A104, A105, A123, A126, 135, A135, 154, A155, 351Mumbai Central Depot, Ferry Wharf, Jijamata Udyan, Vasantrao Naik Chk., Byculla Stn. [W],Mumbai Central, Tardeo, Byculla, Mazgaon, Walkeshwar, Chembur, Vikhroli, Malabar Hill, Ferry Wharf, August Kranti Maidan, Mazgaon, Mahul, Chunabhatti, Mahalakshmi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Grant Road, Pydhonie, Navy Nagar, Mantralaya, Tardeo, Fort, Worli, Cumbala Hill, Antop Hill, Byculla (W), Nepean Sea Road
4WorliवरळीWR1961Off A. B. Road, Worli, Mumbai44, 50, 56, A82, A89, 110, A124, 125, A162, A167, A171, A/354, C-54 ExpWorli Depot, Worli Village, Com. P. K. Kurne Chk.Worli, Dadar (W), Prabhadevi, Parel, Mulund (W), Fort, Ferry Wharf, Versova, Mantralaya, Wadala (E), Colaba, Navy Nagar, Sewree, Airoli, Prabhadevi Stn (W), Antop Hill, Santacruz (W), Backbay, Chunabhatti
5WadalaवडाळाW1961Tilak Road, Opp. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College, Wadala, Mumbai14B, 40L, 57, 69, 77, 151, 165, 168, 174, 212, 217, 411, C-440 Exp, A440, C-521 ExpWadala Depot, P. Thakre UdyanWadala, Dadar (E), Sewree, Chandivali (Andheri (E)), Parel, Worli, Malabar Hill, Nepean Sea Road, Fort, Colaba, Reay Road, Antop Hill, Breach Candy, Byculla (W), Dadar (W), Bandra (W), Borivali (E), Chembur, Malad (W), Ghansoli
Central Suburb Zone
6MarolमरोळM1968Central Road, MIDC, Marol, Andheri (E), Mumbai22L, A186, 307, 328, 333, 334, 335, 340, 435, 443, 522L, 545L, 706L, A337, A338, A340, A441, A442, A443, A434Marol Depot, Agarkar Chowk, Marol Maroshi Bus Stn.Andheri (E), Marol, Chandivali, Sahar, Maroshi, MBP (Millenium Business Park) - Mahape, Airoli, Bhayandar Rly Station (E), Colaba Depot, Pydhonie, Worli, Powai, Mulund (W), Versova, Ghatkopar (W), Sahar, Thane (W), Vihar Lake
7DharaviधारावीDH1980Bandra-Sion Link Road, Dharavi, Mumbai2L, C-11, 11L, 87L, 164, 303, C-305 Exp, 310, 311, 316, 317, BKC-1, BKC-3, BKC-21 (AC), BKC-22 (AC), BKC-23 (AC)Dharavi Depot, Bandra Rly Ter [E], Bandra Colony Bus Stn., Santacruz Rly Stn (E)Bandra (E), BKC, Sion, Dharavi, Navy Nagar, Mantralaya, Mazgaon, Bhuleshwar, Mulund (W), Kurla (W), Santacruz (E), Kalina, Borivali (E), Thane (Hiranandani Estate), Mulund (Maharana Pratap Chowk)
8KalaKillaकाळाकिल्लाKK31.01.2016Bandra-Sion Link Road, Dharavi, Mumbai27, C-42, 46, 52, 66, 176, C-302, 352, 463, AC42Exp, C71Exp, C72ExpKalaKilla Depot, Dharavi Depot, Bandra Rly Ter [E], Bandra Colony Bus Stn.Bandra (E), BKC, Sion, Cotton Green, Dharavi, Dadar (W), Ballard Pier, Mulund (W), Trombay, Mira Road Rly Stn (E), Bhayander Rly Station (E), Ferry Wharf, Matunga (W), Mahim (W)
9MagathaneमागाठणेMT1992Near Tata Steel, Western Express Highway, Borivali (E), Mumbai-400066.209, 297, A298, A301, A477, 498L, 524L, A698, C-700, 702L, 709L, 710L, Airport ServiceMagathane Depot, Borivali Stn. [E], Samata NagarChandivali (Andheri (E)), Borivali (E), Dahisar (E), Ghatkopar (E), Kandivali (E), Thane, Mira Road Rly Station (E), Bhayandar Rly Station (E)
10DindoshiदिंडोशीDIN1985Film City Road, Dindoshi, Mumbai282, A287, A288, 289, A300, 326, 327, 342, 343, 344, 346, 347, 349, 398L, 447, 451, 452, 523L, 601, 624, 646, 701L, 705L, 718L, A624, A282Dindoshi Depot, Goregaon Stn [E], Kandivali Bus Stn., Shivshahi Prakalp, N.N.P, GokuldhamKandivali (E), Malad (E), Kurla (W), Mulund (W), Goregaon (E), Airoli, Mira Road Rly Stn (E), Mira Road (E), Bhayandar Rly Station (E)
11MajasमजासMJ15.08.1995J.V.L.R, Jogeshwari (E), Mumbai35, 39, A264, 308, 319, 332, A332, 333, 392, 410, 415, 428, 492L, 496L, 525LMajas Depot, Seepz Bus Stn., Satbhakti MandirJogeshwari (E), Andheri (E), Seepz, Worli, Dadar (W), Vidya Vihar (W), Vashi, Kurla (W), Sahar Airport, Vikhroli (W), Bhandup (W), Thane (W)
12Kurlaकुर्लाK1955L.B.S. Road, Kurla (W), Mumbai37, 62, 313, A318, 320, 322, 323, 330L, 332, 365, 413, 426, 446, 507L, 517L, 613, 618, BKC-2Kurla Stn. [W], Santacruz Stn. [E], Vidyavihar Bus Stn.Santacruz (E), Kurla (W), BKC, Vidyavihar (W), Malabar Hill, Nepean Sea Road, Dadar (W), Santacruz (E), Bandra (E), Vihar Lake, Vile Parle (E), Andheri (E), Andheri (W), Sahar Cargo Complex, Vashi (APMC Market)
Western Suburb Zone
13Bandraवांद्रेBN1980Bandra Rly Stn (W), Mumbai80L, 211, 214, 215, 220, 222, 225, 321L, 422, 473, C-55 Exp, C-86 Exp, C-505 ExpBandra Bus Stn. [W], Mahim Bus Stn., Bandra Reclamation Bus Stn.Bandra (W), Bandra (E), Khar (W), Mahim (W), CBD Belapur Bus Stn, Malabar Hill, Colaba, Backbay, Dahisar (E), Malad (E), Ghatkopar (W), Vikhroli (W), Mulund (W), Mahul Village
14Santacruzसांताक्रूझS1950Swami Vivekanand Road, Santacruz (W), Mumbai51, 79, 83, 224, 231, 339, 355L, 356L, C-12 ExpSantacruz Depot, Juhu Vile Parle Bus Stn., Santacruz Stn. [W]Santacruz (W), Khar (W), JVPD, Juhu, Dahisar (E), Dahisar (W), Worli, Colaba, Fort, Malabar Hill, Churchgate, Vile Parle (W), Andheri (W), Borivali (W), Jogeshwari (E), Chembur (E), Trombay, Juhu
15GoregaonगोरेगांवGG1978Near Motilal Nagar, Goregaon (W), Mumbai201, 203, A203, 204, 205, A234, A258, A261, 424, 425, 454, 464L, 469L, 707L, C-33 ExpGoregaon Depot, Goregaon Bus Stn., Jogeshwari Bus Stn.Goregaon (W), Jogeshwari (W), Sewri, Worli, Dahisar (W), Juhu, Andheri (W), Mulund (W), Bhandup (W), Ghatkopar (E), Goregaon (E), Bhayandar Rly Stn (E)
16OshiwaraओशिवराOSH1990Oshiwara Village, Goregaon (W), Mumbai4L, A32, 84L, 200, 221, A203, A221, 223L, A235, 242, A248, 251, A252, 254, A257, 266, A251, A254, A266, A627Oshiwara Depot, Andheri Stn. [W], Yari Road Bus Stn.Jogeshwari (W), Andheri (W), Versova, Mazgaon, Mahim, Worli, Wadala, Kandivali (E), JVPD
17PoisarपोयसरP1966Swami Vivekanand Road, Kandivali (W), Mumbai203, 210L, 239, 244, 246, 276, 277, 280, 281, 284, 286, 290LPoisar Depot, Kandivali Stn. [W]Kandivali (W), Borivali (W), Dahisar (W), Juhu, Andheri (W), Malwani, Malad (E), Andheri (E)
18GoraiगोराईGR29.01.1996Lokmanya Tilak Road, Gorai, MumbaiA/202L, 206, A208, 226L, A240, A245, A247, 259, A269, A294, A345, 460L, 461LGorai Depot, Borivali Stn. [W], P. Thakre Nagar Bus Stn., Kandharpada Bus Stn.Gorai, Borivali (W), Andheri (W), Dahisar (W), Dahisar (E), Goregaon (E), Andheri (E), Mulund (W), Mahim (W), Santacruz (W), Ghatkopar (W), Madh
19MalvaniमालवणीMLV26.01.1991Malvani, Malad (W), MumbaiA180, 207, 241, A256, A273, A359, A456, 459L, A620, A621, A622, 720LMalvani Depot, Madh Jetty, MarveMalad (W), Malvani, Madh, Mulund (W), Sahar, Andheri (W), Dahisar (E), Mahim (W), Juhu, Powai, Goregaon (E), Bhayander (E)
20MaladमालाडMLD01.04.2014Chincholi Bunder, Malad (W), Mumbai182, 243, 262, 270, 271, 272Malad Depot, Malad Stn. (W), Malad Stn. [E]Malad (W), Sainath Marg, Anand Marg, Marve Beach, Madh Island, Chunabhatti, Sion, Goregaon (W),
Eastern Suburb Zone
21AnikआणिकA1988Salt-pan Road, Wadala, Mumbai.A5, 58, A59, 60, 75, 85, 181, A341, 360, A361, A362, 363, A367, A369, A377, A431, A432, 501LAnik Depot, Kurla Bus Stn. East, Chunabhatti Bus TerminusKurla (E), Sion, Anik, Chunabhatti, Mahul Village, Dahisar (E), Trombay, Airoli, Churchgate, Wadala (E), Dadar, Mazgaon, Sion, Cuffe Parade, Girgaon
22Prateeksha Nagarप्रतीक्षानगरPN1996Salt-pan Road, Wadala, Mumbai9, 14, 15, 43, 67, 88, 169, 172, 255L, 312, 348LPrateeksha Nagar Depot, Antop Hill, Antop Hill Extn.Antop Hill, Wadala (E), Matunga (E), Borivali (E), Colaba, Churchgate, Mazgaon, Malabar Hill
23DeonarदेवनारD1969Sion–Trombay Road, Deonar, MumbaiA21, A26 Exp, A92, 364, A380, A382, 399L, 502L, 504L, 663, C-21 Exp, A-60 ExpDeonar Depot, Trombay, Anushakti NagarChembur (E), Trombay, Mankhurd, Anushakti Nagar, Borivali (E), Govandi (E), Nerul, Vashi Bus Stn, Kharghar, Fort, Mahul Village, Sahar
24Shivaji NagarशिवाजीनगरSN1998Govandi, Shivaji Nagar, Mumbai8L, A19, A350, A357, 372, A375, A376, A379, A383, A404, A488, 489LShivaji Nagar Depot, Shivaji Nagar Terminus, Dr. Ambedkar Udyan (Chembur)Shivaji Nagar, Govandi (W), Chembur (W), Goregaon (E), Mumbai Central, Churchgate, Fort, Bandra (W), Mahim, Chembur Colony, Kurla (E), Chembur (E)
25GhatkoparघाटकोपरG1974Ghatkopar (E), MumbaiA185, A325, A381, A385, A394, A397, A419, A421, A427, A430, A453, 470L, A481, A494, A499, 511L, 533L, C-53 ExpGhatkopar Depot, Ghatkopar Bus Stn., Ghatkopar Stn (E), Ghatkopar Stn (W), Kannamwar Nagar 2Ghatkopar (W), Ghatkopar (E), Vihar Lake, Chandivali, Kannamwar Nagar, Vashi (APMC Market), Nerul, Kalamboli, Borivali (E), Andheri (E), Thane
26Vikhroliविक्रोळीV1972L.B.S Road, Vikroli (W), Mumbai7L, 331, 386, 387, 416, 418, 478L, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 612Vikhroli Depot, Bhandup Stn. (W), Kanjurmarg Stn. (W)Vikhroli (W), Ghatkopar (W), Bhandup (W), Kanjurmarg (W), Hiranandani Bus Depot, Borivali (E), Pydhonie,
27MulundमुलुंडMU1999Devidayal Road, Mulund (W), MumbaiA391, A396L, A402, A403, A409L, A412, A484, 512L, C-61 Exp, C-513 ExpMulund Depot, Mulund Stn. (W), Mulund Bus Stn. [W], Mhada Bus Stn. [E]Mulund (W), Thane, Mulund (E), Bandra (W), Sewree, Nahur, Vashi Rly Stn, Nerul Bus Stn, Mira Road Rly Stn (E), Andheri (E), Sahar

Bus routes

BEST bus routes are spread citywide and to neighboring cities. BEST operates inter-city services to three areas beyond the municipal limits of Mumbai City; i.e., into the limits of the bordering corporations of Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Mira-Bhayandar. BEST supplements suburban rails, metro rail and monorail in the Mumbai region. It is for this reason that BEST always gives priority for feeder routes over other routes. BEST uses CNG, electric and diesel-powered buses for its operation. BEST introduced Air-conditioned buses in 1998. [29]

The majority of BEST buses consist of ordinary routes. Limited bus services that skip minor stops are used on long routes, high-capacity routes, and routes that provide connectivity beyond Mumbai city. The buses have "LTD" appended to the route number. "C" routes are ultra long routes. 5xx LTD numbered buses connect Navi Mumbai with Mumbai. Some buses like A-504, 504 LTD, and C 53 Exp plies till Navi Mumbai's Raigad district, thereby connecting the nodes of Kharghar and Kalamboli with Mumbai. Buses numbered 4xx mostly like 496 LTD and 497 LTD serve Mulund and Thane and provide the connection to greater Mumbai and buses numbered 6xx LTD and 7xx LTD serves Mira-Bhayander region like 706 LTD and 720 LTD. Buses number 3xx most likely cater to eastern suburbs. Buses numbered 2xx mostly serve western suburbs. Buses numbered 1xx mostly serve central suburbs. Buses numbered from 1 to 99 mostly serve South Mumbai (SoBo).

As of 2021, the BEST runs approximately 3,800 buses, [30] [31] ferrying 5 million passengers [32] over 443 routes, and has a workforce strength of 38,000, which includes 22,000 bus drivers and conductors. BEST plans to induct more AC & Non AC buses on wet lease and increase total fleet to 6,000 buses by 2021.

Besides buses, BEST operates a ferry service since 1981 in northern Mumbai, across the Manori Creek. The barges operate at regular intervals across the shallow creek linking Manori to Marve. [33]

The BEST bus service suffered two bombings on 6 December 2002 and 28 July 2003 killing six people. In August 2006, BEST introduced payphone system and CCTVs on its buses as a response to terror attacks on the city's buses and trains. [34]

Bus routes are updated till 20th January 2023.

Mumbai Ordinary Bus Routes

The following is a list of the bus routes operated by BEST in Mumbai. [35]

Route

number

OriginDestinationNotes
1Electric House/Colaba DepotBandra Reclamation Bus Stn
3Navy NagarJijamata UdyanAlso in AC Service
9Colaba Bus StationAntop Hill
14Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee ChowkPratiksha Nagar Depot
15Mantralaya
27Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion)Vaishali Nagar, Mulund (W)
28Pt. Paluskar ChowkJ.V.P.D. Bus Station
35Comrade P.K. Kurne Chowk (Worli)Marol Maroshi Bus Station
37J. Mehta MargKurla Bus Station (E)
39Comrade P.K. Kurne ChowkMarol Bus Depot
44Kala ChowkyWorli Bus Depot
45Backbay Bus DepotM.M.R.D.A Colony (Extension) MahulAlso in AC
46Ferry WharfDharavi Depot
49Maharana Pratap ChowkM.M.R.D.A Colony (Extension) Mahul
50Ferry WharfWorli Depot
51Colaba Bus StationSantacruz DepotVia Carter Road
52Sharawan Yeshwante Chowk (Kala Chowky)Dharavi Depot
56Worli DepotVesave Yari Road Bus StationSometimes only till Santacruz Bus Depot
57Kamala Nehru ParkPrabodhankar Thackray Udyan (Sewree)
58Wadala Truck TerminalKurla Bus Station (East)
61Swami Dayanand Sarswati ChowkMachhimar Nagar Mahim
62Pandit Paluskar Chowk; Opera HouseVidyavihar Bus Station
66Ballard PierRani Lakshmi Chowk Bus StationAlso in AC
67Kamala Nerhu ParkAntop Hill
68Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusSant Gadge Maharaj Chowk
69Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk - MuseumPrabodhankar Thackray Udyan (Sewree)
75Bhakti Park Complex (Anik)Rani Lakshmi Chowk - Sion
76MantralayaPratiksha Nagar Depot
79Santacruz Bus DepotGorai Depot
83Colaba Bus StationSantacruz Depot
85Pt. Paluskar ChowkKurla Bus Station (E)
88MantralayaPratiksha Nagar Depot
89Worli Depot
110Sangam Nagar (Wadala East)Comrade P.K. Kurne Chowk (Worli)
120Marine Lines Railway StationDawa Bazar
123R.C. ChurchVasantrao Naik Chowk
125Colaba Bus StationWorli Village
126Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusJijamata Udyan
Mantralaya
135J. Mehta MargFerry Wharf
151Wadala Bus Depot
154Byculla Railway Station (West)Nehru Planetarium
164Maharana Pratap Chowk (Mazgaon)Dharavi Bus Depot
165Kasturbha Gandhi ChowkMaheshwari Udyan
166Vasantrao Naik ChowkBharani Naka (Antop Hill)
168Lal Bahadur Shastri CollegeWadala Bus Depot
169Worli VillagePratiksha Nagar Bus Depot
171Worli Milk DairyAntop Hill
172Prateeksha Nagar Bus DepotComrade P.Kurne Chowk (Worli)
176Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion)Hinduja Hospital
181SEEPZ VillageAntop Hill Extension
182Malad DepotChunabhatti Bus Terminus
200Versova-Yari Road Bus StationWadala Bus DepotSometimes only till Mahim Bus Station
201Santacruz Bus DepotSewree Bus Station
203Juhu BeachDahisar BridgeSometimes only till Poisar Depot
204Goregaon (West) Bus StationDahisar Bridge
205Jogeshwari (West) Bus StationGomant Nagar (Dahisar West)
207Malvani Bus DepotDahisar Bus Station
209Ashish Complex (Dahisar West)Samata Nagar Bus Station (Kandivali West)
211Bandra Railway Station (West)Fr. Agnel Ashram (Bandra West)
212Sewree Bus StationBandra Reclamation
213Santacruz Railway Station (East)
212TATA Colony (Bandra East)Bandra Reclamation
214Bandra Railway Station (West)Mount Mary Steps (Bandra West)
220Khar Railway Station (West)Bandra Bus Station (West)
221Andheri Railway Station (West)Versova-Yari Road Bus Station
222Chuim Village Bandra (West)Bandra Bus Station (West)
224Borivali Railway Station (West)Santacruz Depot
225Dindoshi Bus DepotBandra Bus Station (West)
231Juhu Bus DepotSantacruz Railway Station (West)
239Charkop Sector 9Kandivali Railway Station (West)
241Malvani Bus DepotMahim Bus StationSometimes till Wadala Bus Depot
242Andheri Railway Station (West)Millat Nagar
243Jankalyan NagarMalad Railway Station (West)
244Borivali Railway Station (West)Kandivali Railway Station (West)
246
247Bunder Pakhadi Village
259Gorai Bus DepotAndheri Railway Station (West)Also in AC
262Goregaon Bus Station WestMalad Mindspace
266Shree Swami Samarth Nagar (Extension)Andheri Railway Station (West)
270Pumping Center MalvaniMalad Railway Station (West)
271Madh Jetty
272Marve Beach - Essel World
276Charkop Sector 6Kandivali Railway Station (West)
277Borivali Railway Station (West)Via Poisar
281Pushpa Park (Malad East)
281Damu Nagar (Extension)Kandivali Bus Station (East)
281S.K Resort Borivali WestKandivali Railway Station (West)
286Charkop Village
281Anita Nagar (Extension)Kandivali Railway/Bus Station (East)
298Rawalpada (Ashok Van)Borivali Railway Station (East)
303Bandra Bus Station (East)Mulund Railway Station (West)
307Marol Bus DepotVaishali Nagar (Mulund West)
307Majas Bus DepotVidyavihar Bus Station West
310Bandra Bus Station (East)Kurla Railway Station (West)
312Pratiksha Nagar Bus DepotSEEPZ Bus Station
313Santacruz Railway Station (East)Kurla Railway Station (West)Via Kapadia Nagar
316Bandra Bus Station (East)Bandra Colony Bus Station
317TATA Colony Bandra East
319Majas Bus DepotKurla Railway Station (West)
320Filter Pada
320Santacruz Railway Station (East)Vidyavihar Bus/Railway Station (West)
323Chandivali
326Shivshahi Prakalp; Mantri ParkKurla Railway Station (West)
327Goregaon Railway Station (East)
328Bamandaya PadaVersova - Yari Road Bus StationTemporarily Suspended due to Gokhale Bridge Closure
331Ghatkopar Railway Station (West)Sahar Cargo Complex
333Maharishi Valmiki Chowk - Andheri EastMahakali Caves
335Andheri Railway Station (East)Chandivali
336JVPD Bus DepotVidyavihar Bus Station (West)Temporarily Suspended due to Gokhale Bridge Closure
339Majas Bus DepotJuhu Bus Station
341Goregaon Railway Station (East)Antop Hill
342Kokan Vikas; Aarey Colony
343Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri; Filmcity
344Sankalp Society
346Shivshahi Prakalp; Mantri Park
346Marol Bus DepotSantosh Nagar (Extension)
351Mumbai Central Bus DepotTATA Power Center Mahul
352Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion)Trombay
354Worli Bus DepotKannamwar Nagar No.2
360Kurla Bus Station (East)Trombay
361Mahul Village
363Via RCF Colony
365Kurla Railway Station (West)Sahar Cargo Complex
384Ghatkopar Bus StationHiranandani; Powai Bus Station
386Nagbaba Mandir, Powai
392Majas Bus DepotVikhroli Bus Depot
410Mahakali Caves
411Sangharsh Nagar (Chandivali)Wadala Bus Depot
415Majas Bus DepotAndheri Railway Station (East)/ Agarkar Chowk
418Hiranandani; Powai Bus StationVikhroli Railway Station (West)
422Bandra Bus Station (West)Vikhroli Bus Depot
423Maharana Pratap Chowk/ Mulund Check NakaMHADA Colony (Chandivali)
424Mulund Railway Station (West)Goregaon & Oshiwara Bus DepotDiverted Via Jogeshwari due to Gokhale Bridge Closure
425Shivaji Talao (Bhandup West)Versova - Yari Road Bus Station
426FilterpadaVidhyavihar Railway Station (West)
428Shivaji Talao (Bhandup West)Sadhbhakti Mandir (Jogeshwari East)
429Milind Nagar (Asalfha)Ghatkopar Railway Station (West)
432Kurla Railway/Bus Station (East)Vivekananda School (Chembur)
446Kurla Railway Station (West)Bamandaya Pada
452Goregaon Railway/Bus Station (East)Mayur Nagar (Aarey Colony)
454Shivshahi Prakalp; Mantri ParkSeven Bungalows Bus Station
463Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion)Veer Hutatma Bhai Kotwal Udyan (Plaza)
473Mahul VillageBandra Bus Station (West)
601Anand Nagar (Malad East)Malad Railway Station (East)
602Hiranandani; Powai Bus StationKanjurmarg Railway Station (West)
603RCF Colony (Bhandup Village)Amrut Nagar (Vikhroli West)
663Mahul VillageTrombay
701Samata Nagar Bus Station (Kandivali East)Mira Road Railway Station (East)Via Srushti Complex - Jain Mandir - Shanti Nagar
703Via Kashimira - Jangid Circle

Mumbai Air Condition bus routes

The following is a list of the air conditioned bus routes operated by BEST in Mumbai. [35]

Route

number

OriginDestinationNotes
AS-1Bandra Reclamation Bus StationElectric House/Colaba Depot
AS-5Kurla Bus Station (East)Mantralaya
AS-14M.G Hospital ParelR.C Church Colaba
AS-19MantralayaShivaji Nagar Bus Station (West)
AS-21TrombayDr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk (Museum)
AS-22Bandra Bus Station (East)Kurla Railway Station (West)
AS-23C.A Institute (B.K.C)
AS-25Backbay Bus DepotKurla Bus Depot
AS-26Anushakti Nagar Bus StationElectric House, Colaba Bus Depot
AS-30Electric House, Colaba Bus DepotChunabhatti Bus Terminus
AS-32Goregaon Bus Station (West)Versova-Yari Road Bus Station
AS-41Ferry WarfColaba Bus Station
AS-59Veer Hutatma Bhai Kotwal Udyan (Dadar)Kurla Bus Station (East)
AS-60Maharana Pratap Chowk
AS-63J. Mehta Marg - Napean Sea RoadByculla Station (W)
AS-64Kala ChowkyDadar Railway Station (East)
AS-77Breach Candy HospitalByculla Station (W)
AS-82MantralayaWorli Bus Depot
AS-85Kurla Bus Station (East)Opera House (Pt. Paluskar Chowk)
AS-86Comrade P.K Kurne Chowk (Doordarshan)Backbay Bus Depot
AS-92Vasant Rao Naik ChowkAnushakti Nagar Bus Station
AS-100Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusFree Press Journal Road
AS-101Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk (Museum)Mahatma Phule Market (Crawford Market)
AS-102Vijay Vallabh Chowk (Pydhonie)Grant Road Railway Station (E)
AS-103R.C. ChurchKamala Nehru Park
AS-104Nana ChowkJ. Mehta Marg
AS-105Kamala Nehru ParkNovelty Cinema
AS-106R.C. ChurchKamala Nehru Park (Malabar Hill)
AS-107Navy Nagar ColabaMahatma Phule Market (Crawford Market)
AS-108Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusKamala Nehru Park (Malabar Hill)
AS-109Mahatma Phule Market (Crawford Market)R.C. Church
AS-111Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusGateway of India
AS-112Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk (Churchgate)
AS-113Khadi BhandarMahatma Phule Market (Crawford Market)
AS-115Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusN.C.P.A
AS-116Gateway of India
AS-117Sangam Nagar (Wadala East)Wadala Railway Station (West)
AS-118Dadar Railway Station (West)Worli Village
AS-119Kasturba Gandhi Chowk (C.P Tank)Opera House (Pt. Paluskar Chowk)
AS-120Mangaldas Market
AS-121Backbay Bus DepotJ. Mehta Marg (Napean Sea Road)
AS-122Ballard PierAhilyabai Holkar Chowk (Churchgate)
AS-124Colaba Bus StationWorli Bus Depot
AS-134Backbay Bus DepotPrabodhankar Thackray Udyan (Sewree)
AS-135J. Mehta MargFerry Wharf
AS-136Backbay Bus DepotAhilyabai Holkar Chowk
AS-137Navy Nagar
AS-138Backbay Bus DepotChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
AS-139Geetanagar (Colaba)
AS-153Byculla Railway Station (W)Nair Hospital
AS-155Grant Road Railway Station (W)Cumbala Hill Post Office
AS-162Prabodhankar Thackray Udyan (Sewree)Worli Village
AS-163Byculla Railway Station (East)
AS-167Comrade P.K. Kurne Chowk (Worli)Prabhadevi Railway Station (West)
A-170Lower Parel Railway Station
A-171Chunabhatti Bus TerminusWorli Bus Depot
AS-174Antop HillVeer Hutatmanbai Kotwal Plaza (Dadar)
AS-175Wadala Railway Station (West)
AS-177Kala ChowkyParel Railway Station (East)
AS-180Malavani Bus DepotChhatrapati Shivaji International AirportSometimes only till Andheri Railway Station (West)
AS-185Andheri Railway Station (East)Kannamwar Nagar No.2
AS-186Vihar Lake
A-203Andheri Railway Station (West)Juhu Beach
AS-206Borivali Railway Station (West)IC Colony
AS-216Borivali Railway Station (West)Sanskruti Complex (Borivali West)Via S.V Road
As-217Dadar Railway Station (East)Mint Colony
AS-218TB Hospital
A-219Bandra Bus Station (West)Bandra Reclamation Bus Station
A-221Andheri Railway Station (West)Natasha Tower
A-234Jogeshwari West Bus StationVersova-Yari Road Bus Station
A-235Millat NagarAndheri Railway Station (West)
AS-240Shanti Ashram Borivali WestKandarpada Bus Station
AS-245Charkop Bus Station
AS-247Gorai CreekBorivali Railway Station (West)
A-248Ramesh NagarAndheri Railway Station (West)
A-249Versova Village
A-251Versova Yari Road Bus StationSeven Bungalows Bus Station
A-252Sardar Patel NagarAndheri Railway Station (West)
A-254Veera Desai Road (Extension)
AS-256Malvani DepotJuhu Beach
A-257J.V.P.D Bus StationAndheri Railway Station (West)
A-261Jogeshwari Bus Station WestGoregaon Bus Station West
A-263Bangur Nagar (Goregaon West)
A-264Samarth Nagar (Jogeshwari East)Sadhbhakti Mandir
A-266Shree Swami Samarth Nagar (Extension)Andheri Railway Station (West)
A-268Shree Swami Samarth Nagar Circle
AS-268Madh JettyBorivali Railway Station (West)
AS-273MHADA Colony MalvaniMalad Railway Station (West)
AS-283Dindoshi Bus DepotDamu Nagar (Extension)Via S.V Road
AS-287Thakur VillageKandivali Bus Station (East)
AS-288Kranti Nagar
AS-293Shree Krishna Nagar Post OfficeJai Maharashtra Nagar (Borivali East)
AS-294Kranti NagarBorivali Bus/Railway Station (West)
AS-295New Link Road Junction (Kandivali West)Shanti Ashram (Borivali West)
AS-296Eksar Metro Station (Borivali West)Shanti Ashram (Borivali West)Via S.V Road
AS-297Kokanipada (Borivali East)Borivali Bus/Railway Station (East)
AS-299Borivali Bus/Railway Station (East)Jai Maharashtra Nagar (Borivali East)
AS-300Kandivali Bus/Railway Station (East)Sanskriti Apartment (Kandivali East)
AS-301Borivali Bus/Railway Station (East)Hanuman Tekdi (Borivali East)
AS-302Maharana Pratap Chowk (Mulund Check Naka)Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion)
AS-311Kurla Railway Station (West)Santacruz Railway Station (East)Via Kalina
AS-318Via Vidyanagari
AS-325Ghatkopar Bus DepotKurla Railway Station (West)
AS-334Marol Bus Depot
AS-337Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International AirportAndheri Railway Station (East)
AS-338Sahar Cargo Airport Complex
AS-340Ghatkopar Bus StationMahul Village
AS-341Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion)Antop Hill
AS-345Gorai Bus DepotSantosh Nagar (Extension)
AS-347GokuldhamGoregaon Railway Station (East)
AS-350Shivaji Nagar Bus StationKurla Bus/Railway Station (East)
AS-357Mumbai Central Bus Depot
AS-359Malvani Bus DepotHiranandani; Powai Bus Station
AS-362Kurla Bus Station (East)Dr. B R Ambedkar Udyanvia Chembur Colony
AS-364TrombayMahul Villagevia Deonar Village
AS-366Kurla Bus Station (East)Shivaji Nagar Terminus
AS-367Gadkari Quarry
AS-368Mulund Bus DepotSewree Bus Station
AS-369Kurla Bus Station (East)Vashi Naka (Chembur)
AS-370MHADA Colony Bus Station (Mulund East)Kelkar College
AS-372Ghatkopar Bus StationTrombay
AS-375Shivaji Nagar Bus StationBandra Bus Station (West)Express Route
AS-376Mahim Bus Station
AS-377Kurla Bus Station (East)S.R.A Colony (Mankhurd)
AS-378Mankhurd Railway Station (South)Trombay
AS-379Ghatkopar Railway Station (East)Shivaji Nagar Terminus
AS-380Trombay
AS-381Ghatkopar Bus StationTATA Power Center (Mahul)
AS-382Anushakti Nagar Bus StationSahar Air Cargo Complex
AS-383Shivaji Nagar Bus StationGadkari Quarry
AS-385Ghatkopar Bus StationComrade P.C Kurne Chowk (Worli)
AS-385Ghatkopar Railway Station (West)Barve Nagar
AS-391Mulund Railway Station (West)Khindipada Dargah
AS-394Vikhroli Bus Station (East)Kannamwar Nagar No. 2
AS-397Kannamwar Nagar No. 124
AS-401Mulund Railway Station (West)Vaishali Nagar (Mulund West)Via Bhakti Marg
AS-402Via ESIC Hospital
AS-403Andheri Railway Station (East)/ Agarkar ChowkMHADA Colony Bus Station (Mulund East)
AS-404Ghatkopar Railway Station (East)Shivaji Nagar Bus Station
AS-405Mulund Railway Station (West)Yogi Hills (Mulund West)
AS-406Ghatkopar Railway Station (East)Railway Police Colony
AS-412Mulund Railway Station (West)Ghati Pada
AS-413Santacruz Railway Station (East)Kunchi Kurve Nagar
AS-414Mulund Railway Station (West)Nahur Bus Station
AS-416Ghatkopar Railway Station (West)Amrut Nagar (Vikhroli West)
AS-419Ghatkopar Bus StationSangharsh Nagar (Chandivali)
AS-421Ghatkopar Railway Station (West)MHADA Colony (Chandivali)
AS-427Ghatkopar Bus StationFilter Pada
AS-430Mahul Village
AS-431Kurla Railway/Bus Station (East)TATA Power Center (Mahul)
AS-434Andheri Railway Station (East)/Agarkar ChowkBamandaya Pada
AS-435Om Nagar (Warehouse)
AS-441Majas Bus Depot
AS-442Sadbhakti MandirMajas MHADA Colony
AS-443Andheri Railway Station (East)/Agarkar ChowkBamandaya Pada
AS-447Goregaon Railway Station (East)Santosh Nagar Extension
AS-449Dindoshi Bus DepotBalasaheb Thackray Trauma Center (SRP Camp)
AS-451Goregaon Railway Station (East)Aadarsh Nagar (Aarey Colony)
AS-456Shivshahi Prakalp; Mantri ParkMalvani Bus Depot
AS-462Borivali Railway Station (East)Vaishali Nagar (Dahisar East)
AS-477Rushi Van (Dahisar East)
AS-479Janta Nagar (Kandivali East)
AS-481Ghatkopar Bus StationVashi Naka (Chembur)
AS-484Pawar Nagar Bus Station (Thane)MHADA Colony (Mulund East)
AS-488Shivaji Nagar Bus StationDindoshi Bus Depot
AS-493Anushakti Nagar Bus StationMaharana Pratap Chowk (Mulund Check Naka)
AS-504Jalvayu Vihar (Kharghar)Deonar Depot
AS-604Kanjurmarg Railway Station (West)Bhandup Railway Station (West)
AS-605Tembipada
AS-606Nagardas Nagar
AS-607Tulshetpada
AS-608Hanuman Nagar (Bhandup West)Kanjurmarg Railway Station (West)
AS-612Bhandup Railway Station (West)
AS-613Sundar BaugVidyavihar Bus Station (West)
AS-618Datta MandirSantacruz Railway Station (East)
AS-620Malad Bus DepotMalad Railway Station (West)
AS-621Ushma Nagar
AS-622Jankalyan Nagar
AS-624Anand Nagar; Appapada (Malad East)Malad Railway Station (East)
AS-626Bhuje TalaoMalad Railway Station (West)
A-627Andheri Railway Station (West)Mora Village (Juhu)
AS-629Samata Nagar Bus Station (Kandivali East)Borivali Railway Station (East)
AS-646Naagri Niwara 1&2Goregaon Railway Station (East)
AS-647Shivshai Prakalp / Mantri ParkGoregaon Check Naka (Aarey Metro Station)
AS-691Amar NagarMulund Railway Station (West)
AS-696Konkanipada (Extension)Dahisar Railway Station (East)
AS-698National Park (Borivali East)Borivali Railway Station (East)
AS-808World Trade CenterAhilyabai Holkar Chowk (Churchgate)
AS-809N.C.P.A

Mumbai Limited Bus Routes

The following is a list of the limited bus routes operated by BEST in Mumbai. [35]

Route

number

OriginDestinationNotes
2 LTDBandra Colony Bus StationElectric House, Colaba Bus Depot
4 LTDGoregaon-Oshiwara Bus DepotJ.J Hospital
6 LTDTATA Power Center MahulElectric House, Colaba Bus DepotSometimes till Mahul Village
7 LTDVikhroli Bus DepotVijay Vallabh Chowk (Pydhonie)
8 LTDShivaji Nagar TerminusMantralaya
11 LTDBandra Colony Bus StationNavy NagarSometimes only till Electric House, Colaba Bus Depot
21 LTDTrombayDr. Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Chowk (Museum)
25 LTDVihar lakeSewree Bus Station
80 LTDWalkeshwarBandra Bus Station (West)
84 LTDGoregaon-Oshiwara Bus DepotWorli Bus Depot
87 LTDBandra Colony Bus StationMantralaya
188 LTDBorivali Railway Station (East)Kanheri Caves
202 LTDMahim Bus StationGorai Bus Depot
210 LTDVersova-Yari Road Bus StationDahisar BridgeMostly only till Poisar Depot
223 LTDSamata Nagar Bus Station (Kandivali East)Seven Bungalows Bus Station
226 LTDPrabodhankar Thackeray Nagar Bus Station (Charkop)Barve Nagar
255 LTDJ.V.P.D Bus StationPratiksha Nagar Bus Depot
321 LTDMahim Bus StationBarve Nagar
330 LTDAndheri Railway Station (East)/ Agarkar ChowkKurla Railway Station (West)
348 LTDDindoshi Bus DepotPratiksha Nagar Bus Depot
355 LTDSantacruz Bus DepotTrombay
356 LTDSantacruz Bus DepotTATA Power Center MahulSometimes only till Vashi Naka, Chembur
373 LTDVaishali Nagar (Mulund West)Mahul Village
388 LTDSantacruz Railway Station (East)Kannamwar Nagar No. 2
396 LTDAndheri Railway Station (East)/ Agarkar ChowkMulund Check Naka/ Maharana Pratap Chowk
398 LTDDindoshi Bus Depot
399 LTDTrombayMarathon Chowk/ Teen Haath Naka (Thane)
409 LTDMulund Bus DepotSahar Air Cargo Complex
453 LTDGhatkopar Bus StationLokmanya Nagar (Thane)
459 LTDMalvani Bus DepotMulund Railway Station (West)
460 LTDGorai Bus Depot
461 LTDCharkop Bus StationMulund Check Naka/ Maharana Pratap Chowk
464 LTDGoregaon-Oshiwara Bus DepotGhatkopar Bus Station
469 LTDMulund Check Naka/ Maharana Pratap Chowk
470 LTDGhatkopar Bus StationBorivali Railway Station (East)
478 LTDVikhroli Bus Depot
489 LTDShivaji Nagar Bus StationDindoshi Bus Depot
492 LTDBhoomi Acres (Thane)Majas Bus Depot
494 LTDReti Bunder (Kalwa)Ghatkopar Bus Station
496 LTDAndheri Railway Station (East)/ Agarkar ChowkMarathon Chowk/ Teen Haath Naka (Thane)
498 LTDBorivali Railway Station (East)Sangharsh Nagar (Chandivali)
499 LTDGhatkopar Bus StationVrindavan Society (Thane)
501 LTDAiroli Bus StationKurla Railway/Bus Station (East)
502 LTDNerul Sector 46;48TATA Power Center (Mahul)
504 LTDJalvayu Vihar (Kharghar)Deonar Bus Depot
505 LTDCBD Belapur Bus StationBandra Bus Station (West)Also a corridor Route
506 LTDNerul Bus StationDeonar Bus Depot
507 LTDVashi Sector 19Santacruz Railway Station (East)
511 LTDNerul Bus StationGhatkopar Bus Depot
512 LTDMaharana Pratap Chowk (Mulund Check Naka)
514 LTDAiroli Bus StationMulund Bus Depot
517 LTDVashi Sector 19Santacruz Railway Station (East)
522 LTDMillenium Business Park (Mahape)Marol Bus Depot
523 LTDAiroli Bus StationDindoshi Bus Depot
524 LTDGhatkopar Bus StationBorivali Railway Station (East)
525 LTDMajas Bus DepotVashi Railway Station
526 LTDJijamata Udyan (Zoo) BycullaJalvayu Vihar (Kharghar)
533 LTDAndheri Railway Station (West)Vashi Sector 19
545 LTDAiroli Bus StationAndheri Railway Station (East) / Agarkar Chowk
702 LTDMagathane Bus DepotGhodbunder Village
705 LTDDindoshi Bus DepotWestern Park
706 LTDMarol Bus DepotBhayandar Railway Station (East)
707 LTDGoregaon-Oshiwara Bus Depot
709 LTDMagathane Bus Depot
710 LTDBhayandar Railway Station (West)
720 LTDMalvani Bus DepotBhayandar Railway Station (East)

Mumbai Corridor Bus Routes

The following is a list of the corridor bus routes operated by BEST in Mumbai. [35]

Route

number

OriginDestinationNotes
C-1Colaba Bus StationSantacruz Depot
C-10Dharavi Bus DepotElectric House, Colaba Bus Depot
C-11
C-12Santacruz Bus DepotDahisar Bus Station (Dahisar Check Naka)
C-15Dindoshi Bus DepotWorli Bus Depot
C-21Colaba Bus DepotAnushakti Nagar Bus Station
C-33Goregaon Bus Station (West)Nehru Planetarium (Worli)
C-40Dindoshi Bus DepotSewree Bus Station
C-42Daldani Park (Thane)Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion)Also in AC Service
C-53Kalamboli Bus StationGhatkopar Bus Station
C-54Airoli Bus StationWorli Bus Depot
C-55C.B.D. Belapur Bus StationBandra (West) Bus Station
C-60Deonar Bus DepotBorivali Railway Station (East)Sometimes in AC Service
C-61Mira Road Railway Station (East)Mulund Bus Depot
C-71Mahim Bus Station
C-72Bhayandar Railway Station (East)Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion)AC route
C-87Bandra Reclamation Bus StationBackbay Bus Depot
C-305Dharavi Bus Depot
C-370Gawanpada (Mulund East)Bandra Reclamation Bus Station
C-440Borivali Railway Station (East)Wadala Bus Depot
C-505C.B.D. Belapur Bus StationBandra (West) Bus Station
C-513Vashi Railway StationMulund Bus Depot
C-521Ghansoli VillageWadala Bus DepotAlso a LTD Route
C-700Magathane Bus DepotThane Railway Station (East)Also a LTD route
C-718Dindoshi Bus DepotBhayandar Railway Station (East)

Special Ring Routes (AC and Non AC)

The following is a list of the special ring routes operated by BEST in Mumbai. Operated from Monday to Saturday except for Sundays and Public Holidays for BKC routes, rest routes operated everyday. These routes connect railway & metro stations to business & residential areas. [35]

RouteRoute No. on appsOriginDestinationRoute Map
BKC-1182Bandra Bus Station (East)Diamond Market, BKCBandra Bus Station (East) - Kalanagar - MMRDA or Family Court - RBI - Income Tax Office - Tata Colony - Bharat Nagar - Laxmi Tower - Bharat Diamond Bourse - Diamond Market - ICICI Bank - Bharat Nagar - Tata Colony - Income Tax Office - RBI - MMRDA or Family Court - Kalanagar - Bandra Bus Station (East).
BKC-2183Kurla Bus Station (West)Swavalamban Bhavan, BKCKurla Bus Station (West) - Buddha Colony - Kurla Depot - Anjanabai Magar - BKC Telephone Exchange - Trident Hotel - US Consulate General - Kautilya Bhavan or Videsh Bhavan - MCA Stadium - Swavalamban Bhavan - Indian Oil - MCA Stadium - Kautilya Bhavan or Videsh Bhavan - US Consulate General - Trident Hotel - BKC Telephone Exchange - Anjanabai Magar - Kurla Depot - Nehru Nagar (LTT SCLR) - Buddha Colony - Kurla Bus Station (West)
BKC-3187Bandra Bus Station (East)CA Institute, BKCBandra Bus Station (East) - Kalanagar - MMRDA or Family Court - RBI - Income Tax Office - Tata Colony - MMRDA Open Car Park - Bank of Baroda - Indian Oil - MCA Stadium - CA Institute, BKC - MCA Stadium - Swavalamban Bhavan - MMRDA Open Car Park - Bharat Nagar - Tata Colony - Income Tax Office - RBI - MMRDA or Family Court - Kalanagar - Bandra Bus Station (East).
BKC-21 (AC)A-21Diamond Market, BKCBandra Bus Station (East) - Kalanagar - MMRDA or Family Court - RBI - Income Tax Office - Tata Colony - Bharat Nagar - Laxmi Tower - Bharat Diamond Bourse - Diamond Market - ICICI Bank - Bharat Nagar - Tata Colony - Income Tax Office - RBI - MMRDA or Family Court - Kalanagar - Bandra Bus Station (East).
BKC-22 (AC)A-22Kurla Bus Station (West)Bandra Bus Station (East) - Kalanagar - MMRDA or Family Court - RBI - Income Tax Office - Tata Colony - Bharat Nagar - ICICI Bank - Diamond Market - Citi Bank - BKC Telephone Exchange - Anjanabai Magar - Kurla Depot - Nehru Nagar (LTT SCLR) - Buddha Colony - Kurla Bus Station (W)
BKC-23 (AC)A-23CA Institute, BKCBandra Bus Station (East) - Kalanagar - MMRDA or Family Court - RBI - Income Tax Office - Tata Colony - MMRDA Open Car Park - Bank of Baroda - Indian Oil - MCA Stadium - CA Institute, BKC - MCA Stadium - Swavalamban Bhavan - MMRDA Open Car Park - Bharat Nagar - Tata Colony - Income Tax Office - RBI - MMRDA or Family Court - Kalanagar - Bandra Bus Station (East).
PPS-1 (AC)889Magathane Bus DepotMira Road Railway Station (East)Magathane Bus Depot - Devipada - National Park Metro Station - Nancy Colony - Gartan Pada (Dahisar East Metro Station) - Dahisar Toll Plaza - Kashimira - Silver Park - Jangid Circle - Sheetal Nagar MTNL - Mira Road Railway Station (East)

Mumbai Airport bus routes

The following is a list of the airport bus routes operated by BEST in Mumbai. As of March 2023, Chalo premium reserved buses are operated on Airport routes. [35]

RouteRoute No. on appsOriginDestinationNotes
Airport-1S-104Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International AirportCuffe Parade Macchimaar NagarOnly BEST Bus going on Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Airport-2S-105Sector 35 (Kharghar)
Airport-3AS-883Borivali Railway Station (East)
Airport-4S-106Lodha Splendora (Thane)
Airport-5AS-886Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Domestic Terminal 1)Airport Terminal 2 to Airport Terminal 1
Airport-6S-124Don Bosco School (Borivali)

On September 9, 2022 BEST announced an advance ticket reservation system for its airport bus service through the Chalo App [36]

Mumbai HOHO bus routes

The following is a list of the hop in hop off (HOHO) bus route operated by BEST in Mumbai. [35]

Route

number

OriginDestinationNotes
HOHO-1 (AS-885)Juhu BeachGatway of IndiaRoute - Juhu Beach, Linking Road, Hill Road, St. Andrew's Church, Bandra Bandstand, Bandra-Worli Sealink, Worli, Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi, Nehru Planetarium, Mahalaxmi, Haji Ali Dargah, Pedder Road, Babulnath, Girgaon Chowpatty, Marine Lines, Churchgate, Museum, Gateway of India.
HOHO-2 (AS-885)Gatway of IndiaJuhu BeachRoute - Gateway of India, C.S.M.T, J.J Flyover, Jijamata Udyan (Zoo), Parel, Dadar, Mahim, Bandra, SV Road, Juhu Beach.
HOHO-3 Ring (AS-885)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusRoute - C.S.M.T, J.J Flyover, Jijamata Udyan (Zoo), Mahalaxmi, Haji Ali, Tardeo, Pedder Road, Babulnath, Girgaon Beach, Marine Lines, N.C.P.A, Vidhan Bhavan, Gateway of India, Asiatic Library, Reserve Bank of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus .

Mumbai Premium Bus Routes

The following is a list of the premium bus routes operated by BEST under banner of Chalo Bus in Mumbai. [35]

Route

number

OriginDestinationNotes
S-101Lodha Splendora (Thane)Maker Maxity (BKC)/MMRDA Or Family CourtFully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-102Bandra Railway Station (East)ONGC Office (BKC)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-103Lodha Splendora (Thane) Via Hiranandani EstateMaker Maxity (BKC)/MMRDA Or Family CourtFully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-107Lodha Splendora (Thane)Hiranandani Garden (Powai)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-108Kanjurmarg Railway Station (West)One Boulevard (Powai)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-109Saki Naka Metro StationHiranandani Garden (Powai)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-110Haiko (Powai)Delfi (Powai)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-111Lodha Splendora (Thane)Gundavali Metro Station (Andheri)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-112MMRDA Car Park (BKC)Gundavali Metro Station (Andheri)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-113Bandra Bus Station (East)Equinox Business Complex (BKC)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-114Maker Maxity (BKC)Sector 35 (Kharghar)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-115Maker Maxity/MMRDA Or Family CourtSai Sangam (CBD Belapur)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-116Marol DepotSector 35 (Kharghar)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-118Hindustan Unilever Ltd (Andheri)Dosti County (Thane)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-120Bahar Cinema (Andheri)ONGC Office (BKC)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-121Agarkar Chowk (Andheri)Seepz VillageFully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-122Agarkar Chowk (Andheri)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International AirportFully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-124Shimpoli Telephone Exchange (Borivali)Domestic Airport Terminal 1AFully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-125Laxmi Tower (BKC)/ICICI BankMaxus Mall (Bhayander)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-129Maker Maxity (BKC)/MMRDA Or Family CourtDosti County (Thane)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-132Maker Maxity (BKC)Bhoomi Oscar Circle (Ghansoli)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-143Borivali Station EastMarathon Chowk Teen Hath Naka (Thane)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-145World Trade CentreKonkan Bhavan (Belapur)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours, and the only BEST bus to go through Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)
S-146World Trade CentreLodha Splendora (Thane)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-147Comrade P.K. Kurne Chowk (Worli)Lodha Splendora (Thane)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-148Prabodhankar Thakre Nagar Bus StationVashi Railway StationFully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-149Prabodhankar Thakre Nagar Bus StationVashi Railway StationFully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-150Agarkar Chowk (Andheri)Vashi Railway StationFully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-151Vanrai Or Mhada ColonyFlower Valley Or Viviana MallFully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-152Agarkar Chowk (Andheri)Hiranandani Powai Bus StationFully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-153Mumbai Central DepotVeer Kotwal Udyan Plaza (Dadar)Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours
S-154Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusFully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours

Types of bus services

RouteDescription
OrdinaryOrdinary routes are the most common, with buses on these routes stopping at all stops. Buses traveling on these routes are identified by a white route number on a black background.
LimitedBuses on these routes stop only at major stops and skip all the minor stops in between on high volume routes. They are identified by the route number in red on a white background. The route number ends with 'LTD'.
SpecialThese buses travel on select routes covering railway station; metro station and the central business districts. These routes are identified by the route number in white on a red background. The route number ends with 'SPL'.
CorridorThese buses travel on ultra long routes which are very high in demand by passengers. These routes are identified by route number in red on a yellow background. The route number starts with 'C'.
Air ConditionedThese bus routes are air conditioned, they can be ordinary, limited or point to point. The route number starts with 'A or AS'.
Airport PremiumThese bus routes are air conditioned and serve the International Airport. These routes are identified by route number with word 'AIRPORT' written.
Hop on, Hop offThese bus routes are air conditioned and serve Mumbai Darshan. These routes are identified by word 'HOHO' written. Their livery is a little unique.
PremiumThese bus routes are air conditioned and serve under Chalo Bus brand. These buses are reserved, with passengers requiring to book tickets through Chalo App only. No standees allowed and these routes are only operated during peak hours. Their livery is unique.

The routes operated by BEST can be broadly classified in the following categories.

  • Feeder Routes: These routes feed the railway stations and metro stations either from the residential complexes or business districts.
  • East-west connectors: These are the routes, which run east/west, where railways have no role to play and connect the western suburb with the eastern suburb.
  • Trunk routes: These routes run south–north through the city and are almost parallel to the railways.
  • Loop routes: Normally BEST routes are point to point, but there are some routes in the city which are one way loops.

Sometimes there are ladies special buses which are deployed during peak hours. Boards are fixed on windows of bus reading 'Ladies Special'. Since 2019, BEST runs special Tejaswini livery buses which are in yellow and pink colour specially for women passenger.

AC standard routes: These are air-conditioned routes across the city.

  • AC express routes: These route runs on western and eastern express highways, to provide faster services to the commuters.
  • AC standard routes: These are air-conditioned ordinary routes across the city.
  • AC feeder routes: These routes feed the railway stations and metro stations either from the residential complexes or business districts.

Since 2019, BEST has introduced conductor-less AC & non-AC buses where passengers have to buy the ticket before boarding the bus or on bus stops. However this is a test project and many passengers as well as staff are not satisfied with this new test project.

Since 2021, BEST has partnered with Chalo app, providing Chalo smart cards and app based ticket booking.

The aforementioned routes are further classified into types depending on the number of stops the bus takes and the type of bus used.

Fares and ticketing

BEST has several options to pay bus fares:

The fares vary depending on the type. Paper tickets are valid only for single journey. Commuters have the option to buy a daily pass, distance-wise bus pass values and zonal pass. Students are eligible for discounts on monthly and quarterly passes and senior citizens for discounts on weekly, fortnightly, monthly and quarterly passes. [37]

BEST Transport Museum

The BEST Transport Museum is at Anik Bus depot at Wadala. The museum was founded by P D Paranjape, the BEST officer who religiously collected bus tickets, engines, ticket-issuing machines from depots across the city. The museum was set up in 1984 at BEST's Kurla depot and was shifted to Anik depot in 1993. [38] The museum traces the evolution of BEST. It houses mini models of charming old BEST buses and ancient trams. Hand-written placards in Marathi and photographs are on display for the public. Entry to the museum is free. [39]

Electric department

Power, supplied by the Tata Group is brought to the city across creeks in pylons like these. Pylon-gorai.jpg
Power, supplied by the Tata Group is brought to the city across creeks in pylons like these.

Since 1926, the BEST has been sourcing its power from Tata Power, part of the Tata Group conglomerate. The power cables are laid underground, which reduces pilferage and other losses that plague most other parts of India. The nominal rating of power supplied by BEST is 3-phase, 50 Hz, 220/110 kV. Unlike the transport company, the electricity department services only the Mumbai City area, and not the suburbs. It provides power to 5 million residential and commercial establishments [40] and over 33,000 street lights within the city limits. As of 2000, BEST supplies a total of 700 MW (938,715 hp), with a consumption of 3,216 GWh (11,578 TJ). [41] The electricity department has 6,000 employees. The city has four 110-kV, twenty-two 33-kV and 22-kV substations. BEST has a distribution loss of around 10% (2001), among the lowest in India. In 2006, the RPS (Renewable purchase specification) [42] framework came into force, which has made it mandatory for electricity providers to generate or purchase fixed percentage (6% for FY 2009–10) of their power through renewable sources. To comply with this act, BEST plans to install photovoltaic cells in each of its 25 depots. They also plan to use solar power in gardens and street lighting where the demand is low. Another option being considered is the possibility of using the 7,000 tonnes (6,889 long tons; 7,716 short tons) of garbage disposed by the city on a daily basis, which can be potentially used to generate 350 megawatts (469,358 hp) of electricity. [43]

Issues

Transport revenues BEST-t-revenues.png
Transport revenues
Electricity revenues: Blue-Income, Red-Expenditure, Green-Net profits BEST-e-revenues.png
Electricity revenues: Blue–Income, Red–Expenditure, Green–Net profits
Net profit/loss BEST-n-revenues.png
Net profit/loss

In the financial year 2004–05, the company earned 15142.2 million [44] from its electricity department, and 839.18 crore from its transport department. Profits from its electricity department totalled 152.82 crore (US$35m), and losses in its transport department totalled 212.86 crore ($48.8m), giving the company a net loss of 62.04 crore ($14.2m). For the financial year 2005–06, BEST is expected to earn 15401.3 million ($352.92m) with a profit of 1408 million ($32.3m) from the electricity department alone. However, its transport department is expected to earn 9486.8 million ($217.39m), with a loss of 1403.0 million ($32.26m). This gives it an estimated net loss of 5 million ($114,575). [45] [46] Newer management techniques, such as retrenching of excess staff (494 till date), [13] and the closure of less patronised routes, have reduced the losses in recent years, from a high of 1.75 billion ($40.1m) in 2001. [47] Daily earnings from its transport system is 20 million ($458,450). It collects 7 million ($160,450) worth of five rupee coins daily, 4.8 million ($110,000) worth of ten and twenty rupee notes, and 6 million ($137,535) worth of fifty rupee notes, through its fare collection system. This has led a unique situation wherein it has accumulated a surplus of short change. In July 2005, the company floated tender inquiries to 54 banks to exchange the loose change, which totalled 46.7 million ($1.07m). However, none of the banks sent in a single bid, some citing that their vaults are full, and others saying it would be unprofitable for low denominations, given security considerations. [48]

Though the BEST is a government-owned company, it does not receive any financial assistance from the BMC, or the state government. [13] BEST also earns revenues by way of advertisements on its buses and bus-stops, and through rent from offices on owned properties. The BEST, being a public utility company, cannot increase electricity and bus fares to maximise its profits. An increase, when effected, is usually carried out to curb losses due to inflation. BMC approval is needed before such an increase goes into effect. Prior 2003 the BEST Understanding was a case Peter paying for Paul means the Electricity Division was in profit and Transport loss, so profit of Electricity was diverted to Transport so break even. The company downstream started after the inception of Electricity Act 2003, in that act it is stated that the profit of Electricity supply cannot be diverted but to be used for same entity. After taking the issue with Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission the company was running by adjusting the profit but after Supreme Court order, it could not adjusted the profit to transport now running in loss.

Culture and awards

BEST has been a quintessential part of life in Mumbai. The red double-decker buses, modelled on the AEC Routemaster buses of London, are one of the defining characteristics of the city. When BEST decided to do away with the double-deckers for operational reasons recently, public protests and sentiment forced it to continue with the service. A move to colour all its buses saffron from red in 1997 also drew in criticism, resulting in the red colour being retained. Bus drivers and conductors have come in for praise in the media for their service during the 2005 Mumbai floods, when they ensured that all the stranded passengers were dropped safely to their respective destinations. A total of 900 buses were damaged. [49]

The organisation has received the following awards for safety and management: [50]

Future

Among its future plans is the "digitisation project", wherein all underground cables, sub-stations, street lights and bus-stops would be tracked digitally through the geographical information system. It also plans to connect all its electricity meters through a network, so that the readings can be taken remotely, and in realtime, thus obviating the need for monthly manual door-to-door inspection.

See also

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dundee Corporation Tramways</span>

Dundee Corporation Tramways formerly served the City of Dundee in Scotland. The corporation had financed the construction of a horse tramway in 1877, but had then leased it to the Dundee and District Tramways Company. They had replaced most of the horse trams with steam tram locomotives pulling trailer cars from 1884, but in 1897 the corporation decided that it would run the tramway system itself. After some negotiation and the payment of compensation, they took over the system in 1899, with a view to electrifying it. Electric trams started running in 1900, and the changeover was completed in 1902.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trams in Hobart</span>

Trams no longer operate in Hobart, the capital of the Australian state of Tasmania, but the city once had an extensive and popular system that reached the majority of its suburbs. It was the first complete electric tram system in the Southern Hemisphere, and the only one in Australia to operate double-decker trams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trams in Ballarat</span>

Trams in Ballarat were first used for public transport in 1887. They ceased to operate as a means of public transport in 1971, but a section continues to be operated today as a tourist attraction.

The South Lancashire trolleybus system once served towns in South Lancashire, England, including Atherton, Bolton, Swinton and Leigh and St Helens. Opened on 3 August 1930, it replaced the South Lancashire Tramways network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wrexham and District Electric Tramways</span> Former tram company operating trams in Wrexham until 1927

Wrexham and District Electric Tramways was a company that operated an electric tramway service in Wrexham, Wales between 1903 and 1914 when it was renamed Wrexham and District Transport Company Limited. Trams continued to operate until 1927.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tramways in Exeter</span>

Tramways in Exeter were operated between 1882 and 1931. The first horse-drawn trams were operated by the Exeter Tramway Company but in 1904 the Exeter Corporation took over. They closed the old network and replaced it with a new one powered by electricity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">York Corporation Tramways</span> Tramway and trolleybus service in York, England

The York Corporation Tramways (YCT) provided an electric tramway and trolleybus service in York between 1910 and 1935.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trams in Kolkata</span> Overview of the tram system of Kolkata, West Bengal, India

The tram system in Kolkata, the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal, operated by West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) after Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) was dissolved, is the oldest operating tramway in Asia. It is the only operating tram network of India at present.

Bradford Corporation Tramways were a tramway network in the city of Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire, England which operated trams from 1882 until 1950 and trolleybuses from 1911 until 1972. The track gauge of the tramways was 4 ft.

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Notes