When asked to think about the things that remind us of Mumbai, most people might think about these four things – the sea, vada pav, monsoon and double-decker buses. The red double-decker bus has had a long-standing relationship with the people of Mumbai and many have childhood memories attached to it.
Hence, a lot of people were saddened after they realised that double-decker buses were being pulled out and were having their last run this week. According to a report by Firstpost, this is happening because BEST has launched its first electric air-conditioned double-decker bus in Mumbai.
Since February 2023, BEST has been withdrawing the iconic red double-decker bus and replacing it with the leased battery-run red and black double-decker buses.
“The double-decker buses will forever go off roads from 15 September, while the open-deck buses will be pulled out on 5 October,” a BEST spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Here’s a video of the last double-decker bus that left from Marol Depot on September 15:
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
Bidding goodbye to the iconic vehicle, several people online shared fond memories of travelling via these buses, the excitement of getting a seat on the top, and the overall delight of spotting one of them on the streets. Have a look:
Farewell Double-Decker.. ❤️sitting on upper level and by window or front seat n looking down on posh cars with pity was my favorite thing to do.. Have so many fond memories of travelling in it.. Will miss u n will cherish our travels.. Farwell Double-Decker.. ❤️ https://t.co/ZusXZlkxIk
— Rupesh (@RupeshC07) September 15, 2023
I still remember bus no 137 – navy nagar to VT. Had so many beautiful memories. I will miss my past. I am feeling very empty inside. Bye Double Decker. https://t.co/6MZlSX7cnl
— Anurag Chaturvedi (@AnuragC1106) September 15, 2023
The mad scramble to the top.
The race to get to the first seat there.
The view from the front window, the rush of air in your face, and the rain as well.
Footboard riding in rush hour.
The skipping of regular buses when you knew one was on the way.
Goodbye, old friend. https://t.co/2vB2nczTyl— Mahesh (@Hanumanbhakt000) September 15, 2023
sara din twitter pe pade rehte ho har aire gaire ko reply dene achha tabu ke sath ek film kyon ni kar lete? https://t.co/Znij4MrJgq
— hk (@nodogyaraah) September 13, 2023
I’ll miss the comfort that the sight of these buses brought me. It’s getting lonelier with all the things that gave us a sense of familiarity disappearing one by one.
— Sonali Shelar (@sonalishelar) September 15, 2023
Good Bye !!! Now only remain are my childhood memories of traveling through this Big Red Bus !!!
— Nirbhay (@NirbhayShah) September 15, 2023
Memories memories and more memories that’s all I can say school se lekkar college, thaak aaj bhi Double Decker ka safar main kuch bath hi alaag hai.. alvida dost and thanks for the good times
— South2South (@phenomenon75) September 15, 2023
Will miss this iconic bus. Our nex gen won’t even imagine the fun of climbing the first floor and sitting on the first bench in front of open window and enjoy the view and air from top.
— livnletliv27 (@livnletliv27) September 15, 2023
This is the end of an era!