When I first got posted to the megacity, Mumbai (then Bombay) some two decades ago, a knowledgeable resident said ‘You aren’t a real ‘Mumbaikar’ unless you’ve developed an affinity to our ‘Vada-Pavs’, scrambled on to the BEST buses and jostled with the peak hour crowds in local trains like a artist with suppleness of a professional gymnast ! He was right, though with years behind me ‘I’ve done all that and been there’ as they say !
When I’d visited Mumbai before to attend training progs or on trips (en route to Goa), my earliest memories were what I recall as ‘joy-rides’ atop the second tier of the double-decker buses, specially as there’d always be space there and awesome ringside view of evening city lights and razzle-dazzle of the megacity’s frenetic night life. Back in the 80s, for a newcomer I recall, the buses looked more friendly with numerous stops and routes almost near your doorstep (than local trains which then seemed quite overwhelming !).
As in all megacities, good public transport plays a major role in people’s lives. Despite advent of modern and comfy ‘metro’ rail and more car-drivers on road, buses remain the ordinary commuter’s favourite for the last mile connectivity and extensive coverage into remoter areas/lanes. Taxis/autos are convenient but costlier and Ola/Uber for the upper middle class-segment. In this crowded and competitive scenario, we Mumbaikars with nostalgic memories of good-old ‘red double-deckers’ have now been informed by BEST that these buses have attained ‘retired’ (15 year) status and will no longer be in service.
Interestingly, the iconic red buses have a history that dates back to 1937 when they were first introduced, modeled after the motorized double decker buses of London. Reports state that first Limited Bus service in Mumbai started between Colaba & Mahim in 1940. In the 1960s around 900 of these buses plied in the city but eventually the number dwindled to 48. With its lower viability and high fuel cost, the Non-AC buses have now also completed 15 years of their life and as per RTO rules, they have to be scrapped. The Authorities have however assured that not all double decker buses will go off, it has 16 AC double deckers and more will be added to the fleet. Tourists to Mumbai have also the facility of open air double-decker buses which are used in ‘Mumbai Darshan’ tours.
With technology, possibly better facilities will emerge but many things are associated with our time machines and fixation with old memories. Some time back, we had a chance to travel by a Double-decker train from Mumbai to Baroda. Being on the second tier was such fun, reminding us of childhood and fascination for window seats ! As has been said in different ways ‘It’s the journey that matters, not the destination’ !
Working on Living 