A recent announcement will see Mumbai roads look more vibrant with Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) looking to acquire 900 AC electric double-decker buses. These are iconic red-colored double-decker buses which carry lot of nostalgia for residents and Mumbai lovers.
These buses will run under an arrangement wherein the buses will be owned by private contractors, who will also appoint their drivers as well as take care of maintenance and insurance.
The decision was taken in a meeting held recently. The 900 buses will be hired for 12 years at a rate of Rs 56.60 per kilometre. At present, BEST has a fleet of 3,377 buses, including 48 double decker ones, most of which have completed their codal life, 1,524 on wet lease and 386 electric buses.