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.
 | |
 Electric House, Colaba, headquarters of BEST. | |
| Formerly | 1873 as Bombay Tramway Company Limited (Horsecar) ---- 1905 as Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company Limited (BEST) (Tramways and Electricity) ---- 1947 as Bombay Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) (Transport and Electricity) ---- 1995 as Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) (Transport and Electricity) |
|---|---|
| Company type | Autonomous State-owned enterprise |
| Industry | Public transport - Tram (1873–1964), Trolleybus (1962-1971), Bus (1926–present) ---- Electricity (1905–present) |
| Founded | Mumbai (1873) |
| Headquarters | Electric House, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Key people | Anil Diggikar, GM; Chairman - Ashish Chemburkar |
| Revenue |  ₹ 2,353.4 million ($538.7m USD) (2004) |
 ₹620.4 million. ($14.2m USD) (2004) | |
Number of employees | 44000 (2005) |
| Parent | Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai |
| Website | www.bestundertaking.com |
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 Colaba–Pydhone 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
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.
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.
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
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
A BEST old double-decker bus
A CNG powered BEST bus
Rolling stock and depot
In 1936, the company owned 433 tram vehicles and 128 busses.[14]
As of May 2023[update], 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 7 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$440 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.
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]
| No | Depot Name in English | Depot Name in Marathi | Depot Code | Inauguration | Address | Bus Route No. | Bus Stations | Major Operations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Zone | ||||||||
| 1 | Colaba | कुलाबा | C | 1905 | Electric House, Colaba, Mumbai | 1, 6L, 103, 108, A111, 113, A115, A138 and A116 (Double Decker), 139 | Colaba Depot, Chht. Shivaji Terminus, Ballard Pier | Colaba, Chht. Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Fort, Churchgate, Malabar Hill, Nariman Point, Girgaon, Andheri (E), Bandra (W), Mahul |
| 2 | Backbay | बॅकबे | BB | 1976 | Cuffe Parade Road, Backbay, Mumbai | 3, C-10 Exp, 25L, 100, 106, A3, A6, A25, A106, 112, A112, 115, A115, A116, A120, A121, 122, 134, A134, A136, A137, A138, 8SPL, 9SPL, HO-HO Service | Backbay 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 |
| 3 | Mumbai Central | मुंबई सेंट्रल | CN | 1950 | Morland Road, Byculla, Mumbai | 42, A49, A63, A77, A102, A104, A105, A123, A126, A132, A135, A154, A155, A351 | Mumbai 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 |
| 4 | Worli | वरळी | WR | 1961 | Off A. B. Road, Worli, Mumbai | 44, 50, 56, A82, A89, 110, A124, 125, A162, A167, A171, 354, C-54 Exp | Worli 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 |
| 5 | Wadala | वडाळा | W | 1961 | Tilak Road, Opp. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College, Wadala, Mumbai | 14B, 25L, 40L, 57, 69, 77, 151, 165, 168, 174, 212, 217, 411, C-440 Exp, A440, C-521 Exp | Wadala Depot, P. Thakre Udyan | Wadala, 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 | ||||||||
| 6 | Marol | मरोळ | M | 1968 | Central Road, MIDC, Marol, Andheri (E), Mumbai | 22L, 39, A186, 307, 333, 334, 335, 340, 435, 443, 522L, 706L, A337, A338, A340, A441, A442, A443, A434 | Marol 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 |
| 7 | Dharavi | धारावी | DH | 1980 | Bandra-Sion Link Road, Dharavi, Mumbai | 2L, 11L, 27, 87L, 164, 303, C-305 Exp, 310, 313, 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) |
| 8 | KalaKilla | काळाकिल्ला | KK | 31.01.2016 | Bandra-Sion Link Road, Dharavi, Mumbai | 46, 52, 63, 66, 176, 352, 463, A-C42 Exp, C-71 Exp, C-72 Exp, C-302 Exp | KalaKilla 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) |
| 9 | Magathane | मागाठणे | MT | 1992 | Near Tata Steel, Western Express Highway, Borivali (E), Mumbai-400066. | A209, 297, 298, A301, A477, 498L, 524L, A698, C-700 Exp, A701, A702, 703L, 709L, 710L | Magathane Depot, Borivali Stn. [E], Samata Nagar | Chandivali (Andheri (E)), Borivali (E), Dahisar (E), Ghatkopar (E), Kandivali (E), Thane, Mira Road Rly Station (E), Bhayandar Rly Station (E) |
| 10 | Dindoshi | दिंडोशी | DIN | 1985 | Film City Road, Dindoshi, Mumbai | 282, A287, A288, 289, A300, 326, 327, 342, 343, 344, 346, 347, 349, 398L, 447, 451, 452, 523L, 601, 624, 646, 705L, 718L, A624 | Dindoshi Depot, Goregaon Stn [E], Kandivali Bus Stn., Shivshahi Prakalp, N.N.P, Gokuldham | Kandivali (E), Malad (E), Kurla (W), Mulund (W), Goregaon (E), Airoli, Mira Road Rly Stn (E), Mira Road (E), Bhayandar Rly Station (E) |
| 11 | Majas | मजास | MJ | 15.08.1995 | J.V.L.R, Jogeshwari (E), Mumbai | 35, 308, 319, 332, 333, 392, 410, 415, 428, 492L, 496L, 525L, 545L | Majas Depot, Seepz Bus Stn., Satbhakti Mandir | Jogeshwari (E), Andheri (E), Seepz, Worli, Dadar (W), Vidya Vihar (W), Vashi, Kurla (W), Sahar Airport, Vikhroli (W), Bhandup (W), Airoli, Thane (W) |
| 12 | Kurla | कुर्ला | K | 1955 | L.B.S. Road, Kurla (W), Mumbai | 37, 62, A310 Double Decker, A311, A313, 318, 320, 322, 323, 326 , 330L, A332 , A332 Double Decker, 365, 413, A415 Double Decker,426, 446, A507L, A517L, 613, 618, BKC-2 | Kurla 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), Nerul |
| Western Suburb Zone | ||||||||
| 13 | Bandra | वांद्रे | BN | 1980 | Bandra Rly Stn (W), Mumbai | 80L, 211, 214, 215, 219, 220, 222, 225, 321L, 422, 473, C-55 Exp, C-86 Exp, C-505 Exp | Bandra 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 |
| 14 | Santacruz | सांताक्रूझ | S | 1950 | Swami Vivekanand Road, Santacruz (W), Mumbai | 28, 51, 79, 83, 201, 203, 224, 231, 339, 355L, 356L, C-1 Exp, C-12 Exp | Santacruz 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 |
| 15 | Goregaon | गोरेगांव | GG | 1978 | Near Motilal Nagar, Goregaon (W), Mumbai | 204, 205, 424, 425, 454, 464L, 469L, 707L, C-33 Exp | Goregaon 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) |
| 16 | Oshiwara | ओशिवरा | OSH | 1990 | Oshiwara Village, Goregaon (W), Mumbai | 4L, A32, 84L, 200, 221, A203, A221, 223L, A235, 242, A248, 251, A252, 254, A257, 266, A251, A254, A266, A626, A627 | Oshiwara Depot, Andheri Stn. [W], Yari Road Bus Stn. | Jogeshwari (W), Andheri (W), Versova, Mazgaon, Mahim, Worli, Wadala, Kandivali (E), JVPD |
| 17 | Poisar | पोयसर | P | 1966 | Swami Vivekanand Road, Kandivali (W), Mumbai | 210L, 239, 276, 280, 281, 284, 286, 290L | Poisar Depot, Kandivali Stn. [W] | Kandivali (W), Borivali (W), Dahisar (W), Juhu, Andheri (W), Malwani, Malad (E), Andheri (E) |
| 18 | Gorai | गोराई | GR | 29.01.1996 | Lokmanya Tilak Road, Gorai, Mumbai | A202, A203, A206, A208, A226, A240, A244, A245, A246, A247, A259, A269, A277, A294, A345, 460L, 461L | Gorai 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 |
| 19 | Malvani | मालवणी | MLV | 26.01.1991 | Malvani, Malad (W), Mumbai | A180, 207, 241, A256, A273, A359, A456, 459L, A620, A621, A622 | Malvani Depot, Madh Jetty, Marve | Malad (W), Malvani, Madh, Mulund (W), Sahar, Andheri (W), Dahisar (E), Mahim (W), Juhu, Powai, Goregaon (E), Bhayander (E) |
| 20 | Malad | मालाड | MLD | 01.04.2014 | Chincholi Bunder, Malad (W), Mumbai | 243, 262, 270, 271, 272 | Malad Depot, Malad Stn. (W), Malad Stn. [E] | Malad (W), Sainath Marg, Anand Marg, Marve Beach, Madh Island, Chunabhatti, Sion, Goregaon (W), |
| Eastern Suburb Zone | ||||||||
| 21 | Anik | आणिक | A | 1988 | Salt-pan Road, Wadala, Mumbai. | A5, 58, A59, 75, 85, 181, A341, A360, A361, A362, 363, A367, A369, A377, A431, A432 | Anik Depot, Kurla Bus Stn. East, Chunabhatti Bus Terminus | Kurla (E), Sion, Anik, Chunabhatti, Mahul Village, Dahisar (E), Trombay, Airoli, Churchgate, Wadala (E), Dadar, Mazgaon, Sion, Cuffe Parade, Girgaon |
| 22 | Prateeksha Nagar | प्रतीक्षानगर | PN | 1996 | Salt-pan Road, Wadala, Mumbai | 9, 14, 15, 43, 60, 67, 88, 169, 172, 255L, 312, 348L, 501L | Prateeksha Nagar Depot, Antop Hill, Antop Hill Extn. | Antop Hill, Wadala (E), Matunga (E), Borivali (E), Colaba, Churchgate, Mazgaon, Malabar Hill, Kurla (E), Airoli |
| 23 | Deonar | देवनार | D | 1969 | Sion–Trombay Road, Deonar, Mumbai | A21, A26 Exp, A92, A364, A380, A382, 399L, 502L, 504L, A663, C-21 Exp, A-60 Exp | Deonar Depot, Trombay, Anushakti Nagar | Chembur (E), Trombay, Mankhurd, Anushakti Nagar, Borivali (E), Govandi (E), Kharghar, Nerul, Fort, Mahul Village, Sahar |
| 24 | Shivaji Nagar | शिवाजीनगर | SN | 1998 | Govandi, Shivaji Nagar, Mumbai | 8L, A19, A350, A357, 372, A375, A376, A379, A383, A404, A488, 489L | Shivaji 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) |
| 25 | Ghatkopar | घाटकोपर | G | 1974 | Ghatkopar (E), Mumbai | A185, A325, A381, A385, A394, A397, A419, A421, A427, A430, A453, A470L, A481, A494, A499, 511L, 533L, C-53 Exp | Ghatkopar Depot, Ghatkopar Bus Stn., Ghatkopar Stn (E), Ghatkopar Stn (W), Kannamwar Nagar 2 | Ghatkopar (W), Ghatkopar (E), Vihar Lake, Chandivali, Kannamwar Nagar, Vashi (APMC Market), Nerul, Kalamboli, Borivali (E), Andheri (E), Thane |
| 26 | Vikhroli | विक्रोळी | V | 1972 | L.B.S Road, Vikroli (W), Mumbai | 7L, 331, 386, 387, 416, 418, 478L, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 612 | Vikhroli Depot, Bhandup Stn. (W), Kanjurmarg Stn. (W) | Vikhroli (W), Ghatkopar (W), Bhandup (W), Kanjurmarg (W), Hiranandani Bus Depot, Borivali (E), Pydhonie, |
| 27 | Mulund | मुलुंड | MU | 1999 | Devidayal Road, Mulund (W), Mumbai | A391, A396L, A402, A403, A409L, A412, A414, A423, A493, A484, 512L, C-61 Exp, C-513 Exp | Mulund 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 20 January 2023.
Mumbai Ordinary Bus Routes
The following is a list of the bus routes operated by BEST in Mumbai.[35]
| Route
number |
Origin | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electric House/Colaba Depot | Bandra Reclamation Bus Stn | |
| 3 | Navy Nagar | Jijamata Udyan | |
| 9 | Colaba Bus Station | Antop Hill | |
| 14 | Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk | Pratiksha Nagar Depot | |
| 15 | Mantralaya | ||
| 27 | Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion) | Vaishali Nagar, Mulund (W) | |
| 28 | Dr. Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Chowk (Museum) | J.V.P.D. Bus Station | |
| 35 | Comrade P.K. Kurne Chowk (Worli) | Marol Maroshi Bus Station | |
| 37 | J. Mehta Marg | Kurla Bus Station (W) | |
| 39 | Comrade P.K. Kurne Chowk | Marol Bus Depot | |
| 44 | Kala Chowky | Worli Bus Depot | |
| 45 | Backbay Bus Depot | M.M.R.D.A Colony (Extension) Mahul | Also in AC |
| 46 | Ferry Wharf | Dharavi Depot | |
| 49 | Maharana Pratap Chowk | M.M.R.D.A Colony (Extension) Mahul | |
| 50 | Ferry Wharf | Worli Depot | |
| 51 | Colaba Bus Station | Santacruz Depot | Via Carter Road |
| 52 | Sharawan Yeshwante Chowk (Kala Chowky) | Dharavi Depot | |
| 56 | Worli Bus Depot | Vesave Yari Road Bus Station | |
| 57 | Kamala Nehru Park | Prabodhankar Thackray Udyan (Sewree) | |
| 58 | Wadala Truck Terminal | Kurla Bus Station (East) | |
| 61 | Swami Dayanand Sarswati Chowk | Machhimar Nagar Mahim | |
| 62 | Pandit Paluskar Chowk; Opera House | Vidyavihar Bus Station | |
| 66 | Ballard Pier | Rani Lakshmi Chowk Bus Station | Also in AC |
| 67 | Kamala Nerhu Park | Antop Hill | |
| 68 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk | |
| 69 | Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk - Museum | Prabodhankar Thackray Udyan (Sewree) | |
| 75 | Bhakti Park Complex (Anik) | Rani Lakshmi Chowk - Sion | |
| 76 | Mantralaya | Pratiksha Nagar Depot | |
| 79 | Santacruz Bus Depot | Gorai Depot | |
| 83 | Colaba Bus Station | Santacruz Depot | |
| 85 | Pt. Paluskar Chowk | Kurla Bus Station (E) | |
| 88 | Mantralaya | Pratiksha Nagar Depot | |
| 89 | Worli Depot | ||
| 110 | Sangam Nagar (Wadala East) | Comrade P.K. Kurne Chowk (Worli) | |
| 120 | Marine Lines Railway Station | Dawa Bazar | |
| 123 | R.C. Church | Vasantrao Naik Chowk | |
| 125 | Colaba Bus Station | Worli Village | |
| 126 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | Jijamata Udyan | |
| Mantralaya | |||
| 135 | J. Mehta Marg | Ferry Wharf | |
| 151 | Wadala Bus Depot | ||
| 154 | Byculla Railway Station (West) | Nehru Planetarium | |
| 164 | Maharana Pratap Chowk (Mazgaon) | Dharavi Bus Depot | |
| 165 | Kasturbha Gandhi Chowk | Maheshwari Udyan | |
| 166 | Vasantrao Naik Chowk | Bharani Naka (Antop Hill) | |
| 168 | Lal Bahadur Shastri College | Wadala Bus Depot | |
| 169 | Worli Village | Pratiksha Nagar Bus Depot | |
| 171 | Worli Bus Depot | Chunabhatti Bus Terminus | |
| 172 | Prateeksha Nagar Bus Depot | Comrade P.Kurne Chowk (Worli) | |
| 176 | Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion) | Hinduja Hospital | |
| 181 | SEEPZ Village | Antop Hill Extension | |
| 200 | Versova-Yari Road Bus Station | Wadala Bus Depot | Sometimes only till Mahim Bus Station |
| 201 | Santacruz Bus Depot | Sewree Bus Station | |
| 203 | Juhu Beach | Andheri Station (West) | |
| 204 | Goregaon (West) Bus Station | Dahisar Bridge | |
| 205 | Jogeshwari (West) Bus Station | Gomant Nagar (Dahisar West) | |
| 207 | Malvani Bus Depot | Dahisar Bus Station | |
| 209 | Ashish Complex (Dahisar West) | Samata Nagar Bus Station (Kandivali West) | |
| 211 | Bandra Railway Station (West) | Fr. Agnel Ashram (Bandra West) | |
| 212 | Sewree Bus Station | Bandra Reclamation | |
| 213 | Santacruz Railway Station (East) | ||
| 212 | TATA Colony (Bandra East) | Bandra Reclamation | |
| 214 | Bandra Railway Station (West) | Mount Mary Steps (Bandra West) | |
| 220 | Khar Railway Station (West) | Bandra Bus Station (West) | |
| 221 | Andheri Railway Station (West) | Versova-Yari Road Bus Station | |
| 222 | Chuim Village Bandra (West) | Bandra Bus Station (West) | |
| 224 | Borivali Railway Station (West) | Santacruz Depot | |
| 225 | Dindoshi Bus Depot | Bandra Bus Station (West) | |
| 231 | Juhu Bus Depot | Santacruz Railway Station (West) | |
| 239 | Charkop Sector 9 | Kandivali Railway Station (West) | |
| 241 | Malvani Bus Depot | Mahim Bus Station | Sometimes till Wadala Bus Depot |
| 242 | Andheri Railway Station (West) | Millat Nagar | |
| 243 | Jankalyan Nagar | Malad Railway Station (West) | |
| 262 | Goregaon Bus Station West | Malad Mindspace | |
| 266 | Shree Swami Samarth Nagar (Extension) | Andheri Railway Station (West) | |
| 270 | Pumping Center Malvani | Malad Railway Station (West) | |
| 271 | Madh Jetty | ||
| 272 | Marve Beach - Essel World | ||
| 276 | Charkop Sector 6 | Kandivali Railway Station (West) | |
| 281 | Pushpa Park (Malad East) | ||
| 281 | Damu Nagar (Extension) | Kandivali Bus Station (East) | |
| 281 | S.K Resort Borivali West | Kandivali Railway Station (West) | |
| 286 | Charkop Village | ||
| 281 | Anita Nagar (Extension) | Kandivali Railway/Bus Station (East) | |
| 298 | Rawalpada (Ashok Van) | Borivali Railway Station (East) | |
| 303 | Bandra Bus Station (East) | Mulund Railway Station (West) | |
| 307 | Marol Bus Depot | Vaishali Nagar (Mulund West) | |
| 308 | Majas Bus Depot | Vidyavihar Bus Station West | |
| 310 | Bandra Bus Station (East) | Kurla Railway Station (West) | |
| 312 | Pratiksha Nagar Bus Depot | SEEPZ Bus Station | |
| 313 | Santacruz Railway Station (East) | Kurla Railway Station (West) | Via Kapadia Nagar |
| 316 | Bandra Bus Station (East) | Bandra Colony Bus Station | |
| 317 | TATA Colony Bandra East | ||
| 319 | Majas Bus Depot | Kurla Railway Station (West) | |
| 320 | Filter Pada | ||
| 320 | Santacruz Railway Station (East) | Vidyavihar Bus/Railway Station (West) | |
| 323 | Chandivali | ||
| 326 | Shivshahi Prakalp; Mantri Park | Kurla Railway Station (West) | |
| 327 | Goregaon Railway Station (East) | ||
| 328 | Bamandaya Pada | Versova - Yari Road Bus Station | Temporarily Suspended due to Gokhale Bridge Closure |
| 331 | Ghatkopar Railway Station (West) | Sahar Cargo Complex | |
| 333 | Maharishi Valmiki Chowk - Andheri East | Mahakali Caves | |
| 335 | Andheri Railway Station (East) | Chandivali | |
| 336 | JVPD Bus Depot | Vidyavihar Bus Station (West) | Temporarily Suspended due to Gokhale Bridge Closure |
| 339 | Majas Bus Depot | Juhu Bus Station | |
| 341 | Goregaon Railway Station (East) | Antop Hill | |
| 342 | Kokan Vikas; Aarey Colony | ||
| 343 | Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri; Filmcity | ||
| 344 | Sankalp Society | ||
| 346 | Shivshahi Prakalp; Mantri Park | ||
| 349 | Marol Bus Depot | Santosh Nagar (Extension) | |
| 351 | Mumbai Central Bus Depot | TATA Power Center Mahul | |
| 352 | Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion) | Trombay | |
| 354 | Worli Bus Depot | Kannamwar Nagar No.2 | |
| 360 | Kurla Bus Station (East) | Trombay | |
| 361 | Mahul Village | ||
| 363 | Via RCF Colony | ||
| 365 | Kurla Railway Station (West) | Sahar Cargo Complex | |
| 384 | Ghatkopar Bus Station | Hiranandani; Powai Bus Station | |
| 386 | Nagbaba Mandir, Powai | ||
| 392 | Majas Bus Depot | Vikhroli Bus Depot | |
| 410 | Mahakali Caves | ||
| 411 | Sangharsh Nagar (Chandivali) | Wadala Bus Depot | |
| 415 | Majas Bus Depot | Andheri Railway Station (East)/ Agarkar Chowk | |
| 418 | Hiranandani; Powai Bus Station | Vikhroli Railway Station (West) | |
| 422 | Bandra Bus Station (West) | Vikhroli Bus Depot | |
| 423 | Maharana Pratap Chowk/ Mulund Check Naka | MHADA Colony (Chandivali) | |
| 424 | Mulund Railway Station (West) | Goregaon & Oshiwara Bus Depot | Diverted Via Jogeshwari due to Gokhale Bridge Closure |
| 425 | Shivaji Talao (Bhandup West) | Versova - Yari Road Bus Station | |
| 426 | Filterpada | Vidyavihar Railway Station (West) | |
| 428 | Shivaji Talao (Bhandup West) | Sadbhakti Mandir (Jogeshwari East) | |
| 429 | Milind Nagar (Asalfha) | Ghatkopar Railway Station (West) | |
| 432 | Kurla Railway/Bus Station (East) | Vivekananda School (Chembur) | |
| 446 | Kurla Railway Station (West) | Bamandaya Pada | |
| 452 | Goregaon Railway/Bus Station (East) | Mayur Nagar (Aarey Colony) | |
| 454 | Shivshahi Prakalp; Mantri Park | Seven Bungalows Bus Station | |
| 463 | Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion) | Veer Hutatma Bhai Kotwal Udyan (Plaza) | |
| 473 | Mahul Village | Bandra Bus Station (West) | |
| 601 | Anand Nagar (Malad East) | Malad Railway Station (East) | |
| 602 | Hiranandani; Powai Bus Station | Kanjurmarg Railway Station (West) | |
| 603 | RCF Colony (Bhandup Village) | Amrut Nagar (Vikhroli West) | |
| 663 | Mahul Village | Trombay | |
| 701 | Samata Nagar Bus Station (Kandivali East) | Mira Road Railway Station (East) | Via Srushti Complex - Jain Mandir - Shanti Nagar |
| 703 | Via 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 |
Origin | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS-1 | Bandra Reclamation Bus Station | Electric House/Colaba Depot | |
| AS-5 | Kurla Bus Station (East) | Mantralaya | |
| AS-14 | M.G Hospital Parel | R.C Church Colaba | |
| AS-19 | Mantralaya | Shivaji Nagar Bus Station (West) | |
| AS-21 | Trombay | Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk (Museum) | |
| AS-22 | Bandra Bus Station (East) | Kurla Railway Station (West) | |
| AS-23 | C.A Institute (B.K.C) | ||
| AS-25 | Backbay Bus Depot | Kurla Bus Depot | |
| AS-26 | Anushakti Nagar Bus Station | Electric House, Colaba Bus Depot | |
| AS-30 | Electric House, Colaba Bus Depot | Chunabhatti Bus Terminus | |
| AS-32 | Goregaon Bus Station (West) | Versova-Yari Road Bus Station | |
| AS-41 | Ferry Warf | Colaba Bus Station | |
| AS-59 | Veer Hutatma Bhai Kotwal Udyan (Dadar) | Kurla Bus Station (East) | |
| AS-60 | Maharana Pratap Chowk | ||
| AS-63 | J. Mehta Marg - Napean Sea Road | Byculla Station (W) | |
| AS-64 | Kala Chowky | Dadar Railway Station (East) | |
| AS-77 | Breach Candy Hospital | Byculla Station (W) | |
| AS-82 | Mantralaya | Worli Bus Depot | |
| AS-85 | Kurla Bus Station (East) | Opera House (Pt. Paluskar Chowk) | |
| AS-86 | Comrade P.K Kurne Chowk (Doordarshan) | Backbay Bus Depot | |
| AS-92 | Vasant Rao Naik Chowk | Anushakti Nagar Bus Station | |
| AS-100 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | Free Press Journal Road | |
| AS-101 | Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk (Museum) | Mahatma Phule Market (Crawford Market) | |
| AS-102 | Vijay Vallabh Chowk (Pydhonie) | Grant Road Railway Station (E) | |
| AS-103 | R.C. Church | Kamala Nehru Park | |
| AS-104 | Nana Chowk | J. Mehta Marg | |
| AS-105 | Kamala Nehru Park | Novelty Cinema | |
| AS-106 | R.C. Church | Kamala Nehru Park (Malabar Hill) | |
| AS-107 | Navy Nagar Colaba | Mahatma Phule Market (Crawford Market) | |
| AS-108 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | Kamala Nehru Park (Malabar Hill) | |
| AS-109 | Mahatma Phule Market (Crawford Market) | R.C. Church | |
| AS-111 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | Gateway of India | |
| AS-112 | Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk (Churchgate) | ||
| AS-113 | Khadi Bhandar | Mahatma Phule Market (Crawford Market) | |
| AS-115 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | N.C.P.A | |
| AS-116 | Gateway of India | ||
| AS-117 | Sangam Nagar (Wadala East) | Wadala Railway Station (West) | |
| AS-118 | Dadar Railway Station (West) | Worli Village | |
| AS-119 | Kasturba Gandhi Chowk (C.P Tank) | Opera House (Pt. Paluskar Chowk) | |
| AS-120 | Mangaldas Market | ||
| AS-121 | Backbay Bus Depot | J. Mehta Marg (Napean Sea Road) | |
| AS-122 | Ballard Pier | Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk (Churchgate) | |
| AS-124 | Colaba Bus Station | Worli Bus Depot | |
| AS-134 | Backbay Bus Depot | Prabodhankar Thackray Udyan (Sewree) | |
| AS-135 | J. Mehta Marg | Ferry Wharf | |
| AS-136 | Backbay Bus Depot | Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk | |
| AS-137 | Navy Nagar | ||
| AS-138 | Backbay Bus Depot | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | |
| AS-139 | Geetanagar (Colaba) | ||
| AS-153 | Byculla Railway Station (W) | Nair Hospital | |
| AS-155 | Grant Road Railway Station (W) | Cumbala Hill Post Office | |
| AS-162 | Prabodhankar Thackray Udyan (Sewree) | Worli Village | |
| AS-163 | Byculla Railway Station (East) | ||
| AS-167 | Comrade P.K. Kurne Chowk (Worli) | Prabhadevi Railway Station (West) | |
| A-170 | Lower Parel Railway Station | ||
| A-171 | Chunabhatti Bus Terminus | Worli Bus Depot | |
| AS-174 | Antop Hill | Veer Hutatmanbai Kotwal Plaza (Dadar) | |
| AS-175 | Wadala Railway Station (West) | ||
| AS-177 | Kala Chowky | Parel Railway Station (East) | |
| AS-180 | Malavani Bus Depot | Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport | Sometimes only till Andheri Railway Station (West) |
| AS-185 | Andheri Railway Station (East) | Kannamwar Nagar No.2 | Via Saki Naka |
| AS-186 | Vihar Lake | ||
| AS-203 | Dahisar Bridge | Juhu Beach | Operated till Andheri Station (West) on Down Route and until Borivali Station (West) on Up Route |
| AS-206 | Borivali Railway Station (West) | IC Colony | |
| AS-216 | Borivali Railway Station (West) | Sanskruti Complex (Borivali West) | Via S.V Road |
| As-217 | Dadar Railway Station (East) | Mint Colony | |
| AS-218 | TB Hospital | ||
| A-219 | Bandra Bus Station (West) | Bandra Reclamation Bus Station | |
| A-221 | Andheri Railway Station (West) | Natasha Tower | |
| A-234 | Jogeshwari West Bus Station | Versova-Yari Road Bus Station | |
| A-235 | Millat Nagar | Andheri Railway Station (West) | |
| AS-240 | Shanti Ashram Borivali West | Kandarpada Bus Station | |
| AS-244 | Borivali Railway Station (West) | Kandivali Railway Station (West) | Via Charkop Village |
| AS-246 | Borivali Railway Station (West) | Kandivali Railway Station (West) | Via I.E.S School |
| AS-245 | Charkop Bus Station | Kandarpada Bus Station | |
| AS-247 | Gorai Creek | Borivali Railway Station (West) | |
| A-248 | Ramesh Nagar | Andheri Railway Station (West) | |
| A-249 | Versova Village | ||
| A-251 | Versova Yari Road Bus Station | Seven Bungalows Bus Station | |
| A-252 | Sardar Patel Nagar | Andheri Railway Station (West) | |
| A-254 | Veera Desai Road (Extension) | ||
| AS-256 | Malvani Depot | Juhu Beach | |
| A-257 | J.V.P.D Bus Station | Andheri Railway Station (West) | |
| A-261 | Jogeshwari Bus Station West | Goregaon Bus Station West | |
| A-263 | Bangur Nagar (Goregaon West) | ||
| A-264 | Samarth Nagar (Jogeshwari East) | Sadhbhakti Mandir | |
| A-266 | Shree Swami Samarth Nagar (Extension) | Andheri Railway Station (West) | |
| A-268 | Shree Swami Samarth Nagar Circle | ||
| AS-269 | Madh Jetty | Borivali Railway Station (West) | |
| AS-273 | MHADA Colony Malvani | Malad Railway Station (West) | |
| 277 | Borivali Railway Station (West) | Kandivali Railway Station (West) | Via Charkop Sector 6 |
| AS-283 | Dindoshi Bus Depot | Damu Nagar (Extension) | Via S.V Road |
| AS-287 | Thakur Village | Kandivali Bus Station (East) | |
| AS-288 | Kranti Nagar | ||
| AS-293 | Shree Krishna Nagar Post Office | Jai Maharashtra Nagar (Borivali East) | |
| AS-294 | Kranti Nagar | Borivali Bus/Railway Station (West) | |
| AS-296 | Eksar Metro Station (Borivali West) | Shanti Ashram (Borivali West) | Via S.V Road |
| AS-297 | Kokanipada (Borivali East) | Borivali Bus/Railway Station (East) | |
| AS-299 | Borivali Bus/Railway Station (East) | Jai Maharashtra Nagar (Borivali East) | |
| AS-300 | Kandivali Bus/Railway Station (East) | Sanskriti Apartment (Kandivali East) | |
| AS-301 | Borivali Bus/Railway Station (East) | Hanuman Tekdi (Borivali East) | |
| AS-302 | Maharana Pratap Chowk (Mulund Check Naka) | Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion) | |
| AS-311 | Kurla Railway Station (West) | Santacruz Railway Station (East) | Via Kalina |
| AS-318 | Via Vidyanagari | ||
| AS-325 | Ghatkopar Bus Depot | Kurla Railway Station (West) | |
| AS-332 | Agarkar Chowk (Andheri East) | Can be double decker AC bus | |
| AS-334 | Marol Bus Depot | Ghatkopar Bus Station | |
| AS-337 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport | Andheri Railway Station (East) | |
| AS-338 | Sahar Cargo Airport Complex | ||
| AS-340 | Ghatkopar Bus Station | Mahul Village | |
| AS-341 | Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion) | Antop Hill | |
| AS-345 | Gorai Bus Depot | Santosh Nagar (Extension) | |
| AS-347 | Gokuldham | Goregaon Railway Station (East) | |
| AS-350 | Shivaji Nagar Bus Station | Kurla Bus/Railway Station (East) | |
| AS-357 | Mumbai Central Bus Depot | ||
| AS-359 | Malvani Bus Depot | Hiranandani; Powai Bus Station | |
| AS-362 | Kurla Bus Station (East) | Dr. B R Ambedkar Udyan | via Chembur Colony |
| AS-364 | Trombay | Mahul Village | via Deonar Village |
| AS-366 | Kurla Bus Station (East) | Shivaji Nagar Terminus | |
| AS-367 | Gadkari Quarry | ||
| AS-368 | Mulund Bus Depot | Sewree Bus Station | |
| AS-369 | Kurla Bus Station (East) | Vashi Naka (Chembur) | |
| AS-370 | MHADA Colony Bus Station (Mulund East) | Kelkar College | |
| AS-372 | Ghatkopar Bus Station | Trombay | |
| AS-375 | Shivaji Nagar Bus Station | Bandra Bus Station (West) | Express Route |
| AS-376 | Mahim Bus Station | ||
| AS-377 | Kurla Bus Station (East) | S.R.A Colony (Mankhurd) | |
| AS-378 | Mankhurd Railway Station (South) | Trombay | |
| AS-379 | Ghatkopar Railway Station (East) | Shivaji Nagar Terminus | |
| AS-380 | Trombay | ||
| AS-381 | Ghatkopar Bus Station | TATA Power Center (Mahul) | |
| AS-382 | Anushakti Nagar Bus Station | Sahar Air Cargo Complex | |
| AS-383 | Shivaji Nagar Bus Station | Gadkari Quarry | |
| AS-385 | Ghatkopar Bus Station | Comrade P. Kurne Chowk (Worli) | |
| AS-386 | Ghatkopar Railway Station (West) | Barve Nagar | |
| AS-391 | Mulund Railway Station (West) | Khindipada Dargah | |
| AS-394 | Vikhroli Bus Station (East) | Kannamwar Nagar No. 2 | |
| AS-396 | Andheri Railway Station (East) | Mulund (West) Check Naka Bus Station | Via Saki Naka |
| AS-397 | Vikhroli Bus Station (East) | Kannamwar Nagar No. 124 | |
| AS-401 | Mulund Railway Station (West) | Vaishali Nagar (Mulund West) | Via Bhakti Marg |
| AS-402 | Via ESIC Hospital | ||
| AS-403 | Andheri Railway Station (East)/ Agarkar Chowk | MHADA Colony Bus Station (Mulund East) | Via MIDC, SEEPZ |
| AS-404 | Ghatkopar Railway Station (East) | Shivaji Nagar Bus Station | |
| AS-405 | Mulund Railway Station (West) | Yogi Hills (Mulund West) | |
| AS-406 | Ghatkopar Railway Station (East) | Railway Police Colony | |
| AS-412 | Mulund Railway Station (West) | Ghati Pada | |
| AS-413 | Santacruz Railway Station (East) | Kunchi Kurve Nagar | |
| AS-414 | Mulund Railway Station (West) | Nahur Bus Station | |
| AS-415 | Agarkar Chowk (Andheri - E) | SEEPZ Village | Double decker AC bus |
| AS-416 | Ghatkopar Railway Station (West) | Amrut Nagar (Vikhroli West) | |
| AS-419 | Ghatkopar Bus Station | Sangharsh Nagar (Chandivali) | |
| AS-421 | Ghatkopar Railway Station (West) | MHADA Colony (Chandivali) | |
| AS-427 | Ghatkopar Bus Station | Filter Pada | |
| AS-430 | Mahul Village | ||
| AS-431 | Kurla Railway/Bus Station (East) | TATA Power Center (Mahul) | |
| AS-434 | Andheri Railway Station (East)/Agarkar Chowk | Bamandaya Pada | |
| AS-435 | Om Nagar (Warehouse) | ||
| AS-441 | Majas Bus Depot | ||
| AS-442 | Sadbhakti Mandir | Majas MHADA Colony | |
| AS-443 | Andheri Railway Station (East)/Agarkar Chowk | Bamandaya Pada | |
| AS-447 | Goregaon Railway Station (East) | Santosh Nagar Extension | |
| AS-449 | Dindoshi Bus Depot | Balasaheb Thackray Trauma Center (SRP Camp) | |
| AS-451 | Goregaon Railway Station (East) | Aadarsh Nagar (Aarey Colony) | |
| AS-456 | Shivshahi Prakalp; Mantri Park | Malvani Bus Depot | |
| AS-462 | Borivali Railway Station (East) | Vaishali Nagar (Dahisar East) | |
| AS-477 | Rushi Van (Dahisar East) | ||
| AS-479 | Janta Nagar (Kandivali East) | ||
| AS-481 | Ghatkopar Bus Station | Vashi Naka (Chembur) | |
| AS-484 | Pawar Nagar Bus Station (Thane) | MHADA Colony (Mulund East) | |
| AS-488 | Shivaji Nagar Bus Station | Dindoshi Bus Depot | |
| AS-493 | Anushakti Nagar Bus Station | Maharana Pratap Chowk (Mulund Check Naka) | |
| AS-504 | Jalvayu Vihar (Kharghar) | Deonar Depot | |
| AS-604 | Kanjurmarg Railway Station (West) | Bhandup Railway Station (West) | |
| AS-605 | Tembipada | ||
| AS-606 | Nagardas Nagar | ||
| AS-607 | Tulshetpada | ||
| AS-608 | Hanuman Nagar (Bhandup West) | Kanjurmarg Railway Station (West) | |
| AS-612 | Bhandup Railway Station (West) | ||
| AS-613 | Sundar Baug | Vidyavihar Bus Station (West) | |
| AS-618 | Datta Mandir | Santacruz Railway Station (East) | |
| AS-620 | Malad Bus Depot | Malad Railway Station (West) | |
| AS-621 | Ushma Nagar | ||
| AS-622 | Jankalyan Nagar | ||
| AS-624 | Anand Nagar; Appapada (Malad East) | Malad Railway Station (East) | |
| AS-626 | Bhuje Talao | Malad Railway Station (West) | |
| A-627 | Andheri Railway Station (West) | Mora Village (Juhu) | |
| AS-629 | Samata Nagar Bus Station (Kandivali East) | Borivali Railway Station (East) | |
| AS-646 | Naagri Niwara 1&2 | Goregaon Railway Station (East) | |
| AS-647 | Shivshai Prakalp / Mantri Park | Goregaon Check Naka (Aarey Metro Station) | |
| AS-691 | Amar Nagar | Mulund Railway Station (West) | |
| AS-696 | Konkanipada (Extension) | Dahisar Railway Station (East) | |
| AS-698 | National Park (Borivali East) | Borivali Railway Station (East) | |
| AS-808 | World Trade Center | Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk (Churchgate) | |
| AS-809 | N.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 |
Origin | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 LTD | Bandra Colony Bus Station | Electric House, Colaba Bus Depot | |
| 4 LTD | Goregaon-Oshiwara Bus Depot | J.J Hospital | |
| 6 LTD | TATA Power Center Mahul | Electric House, Colaba Bus Depot | Sometimes till Mahul Village |
| 7 LTD | Vikhroli Bus Depot | Vijay Vallabh Chowk (Pydhonie) | |
| 8 LTD | Shivaji Nagar Terminus | Mantralaya | |
| 11 LTD | Bandra Colony Bus Station | Navy Nagar | Sometimes only till Electric House, Colaba Bus Depot |
| 21 LTD | Trombay | Dr. Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Chowk (Museum) | |
| 25 LTD | Vihar lake | Sewree Bus Station | |
| 80 LTD | Walkeshwar | Bandra Bus Station (West) | |
| 84 LTD | Goregaon-Oshiwara Bus Depot | Worli Bus Depot | |
| 87 LTD | Bandra Colony Bus Station | Mantralaya | |
| 188 LTD | Borivali Railway Station (East) | Kanheri Caves | |
| 202 LTD | Mahim Bus Station | Gorai Bus Depot | |
| 210 LTD | Versova-Yari Road Bus Station | Dahisar Bridge | Mostly only till Poisar Depot |
| 223 LTD | Samata Nagar Bus Station (Kandivali East) | Seven Bungalows Bus Station | |
| 226 LTD | Prabodhankar Thackeray Nagar Bus Station (Charkop) | Barve Nagar | |
| 255 LTD | J.V.P.D Bus Station | Pratiksha Nagar Bus Depot | |
| 321 LTD | Mahim Bus Station | Barve Nagar | |
| 330 LTD | Andheri Railway Station (East)/ Agarkar Chowk | Kurla Railway Station (West) | |
| 348 LTD | Dindoshi Bus Depot | Pratiksha Nagar Bus Depot | |
| 355 LTD | Santacruz Bus Depot | Trombay | |
| 356 LTD | Santacruz Bus Depot | TATA Power Center Mahul | Sometimes only till Vashi Naka, Chembur |
| 373 LTD | Vaishali Nagar (Mulund West) | Mahul Village | |
| 388 LTD | Santacruz Railway Station (East) | Kannamwar Nagar No. 2 | |
| 396 LTD | Andheri Railway Station (East)/ Agarkar Chowk | Mulund Check Naka/ Maharana Pratap Chowk | |
| 398 LTD | Dindoshi Bus Depot | ||
| 399 LTD | Trombay | Marathon Chowk/ Teen Haath Naka (Thane) | |
| 409 LTD | Mulund Bus Depot | Sahar Air Cargo Complex | |
| 453 LTD | Ghatkopar Bus Station | Lokmanya Nagar (Thane) | |
| 459 LTD | Malvani Bus Depot | Mulund Railway Station (West) | |
| 460 LTD | Gorai Bus Depot | ||
| 461 LTD | Charkop Bus Station | Mulund Check Naka/ Maharana Pratap Chowk | |
| 464 LTD | Goregaon-Oshiwara Bus Depot | Ghatkopar Bus Station | |
| 469 LTD | Mulund Check Naka/ Maharana Pratap Chowk | ||
| 470 LTD | Ghatkopar Bus Station | Borivali Railway Station (East) | |
| 478 LTD | Vikhroli Bus Depot | ||
| 489 LTD | Shivaji Nagar Bus Station | Dindoshi Bus Depot | |
| 492 LTD | Bhoomi Acres (Thane) | Majas Bus Depot | |
| 494 LTD | Reti Bunder (Kalwa) | Ghatkopar Bus Station | |
| 496 LTD | Andheri Railway Station (East)/ Agarkar Chowk | Marathon Chowk/ Teen Haath Naka (Thane) | |
| 498 LTD | Borivali Railway Station (East) | Sangharsh Nagar (Chandivali) | |
| 499 LTD | Ghatkopar Bus Station | Vrindavan Society (Thane) | |
| 501 LTD | Airoli Bus Station | Kurla Railway/Bus Station (East) | |
| 502 LTD | Nerul Sector 46;48 | TATA Power Center (Mahul) | |
| 504 LTD | Jalvayu Vihar (Kharghar) | Deonar Bus Depot | |
| 505 LTD | CBD Belapur Bus Station | Bandra Bus Station (West) | Also a corridor Route |
| 506 LTD | Nerul Bus Station | Deonar Bus Depot | |
| 507 LTD | Vashi Sector 19 | Santacruz Railway Station (East) | |
| 511 LTD | Nerul Bus Station | Ghatkopar Bus Depot | |
| 512 LTD | Maharana Pratap Chowk (Mulund Check Naka) | ||
| 514 LTD | Airoli Bus Station | Mulund Bus Depot | |
| 517 LTD | Vashi Sector 19 | Santacruz Railway Station (East) | |
| 522 LTD | Millenium Business Park (Mahape) | Marol Bus Depot | |
| 523 LTD | Airoli Bus Station | Dindoshi Bus Depot | |
| 524 LTD | Ghatkopar Bus Station | Borivali Railway Station (East) | |
| 525 LTD | Majas Bus Depot | Vashi Railway Station | |
| 526 LTD | Jijamata Udyan (Zoo) Byculla | Jalvayu Vihar (Kharghar) | |
| 533 LTD | Andheri Railway Station (West) | Vashi Sector 19 | |
| 545 LTD | Airoli Bus Station | Andheri Railway Station (East) / Agarkar Chowk | |
| 702 LTD | Magathane Bus Depot | Ghodbunder Village | |
| 705 LTD | Dindoshi Bus Depot | Western Park | |
| 706 LTD | Marol Bus Depot | Bhayandar Railway Station (East) | |
| 707 LTD | Goregaon-Oshiwara Bus Depot | ||
| 709 LTD | Magathane Bus Depot | ||
| 710 LTD | Bhayandar Railway Station (West) | ||
| 720 LTD | Malvani Bus Depot | Bhayandar 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 |
Origin | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-1 | Colaba Bus Station | Santacruz Depot | |
| C-10 | Dharavi Bus Depot | Electric House, Colaba Bus Depot | |
| C-11 | |||
| C-12 | Santacruz Bus Depot | Dahisar Bus Station (Dahisar Check Naka) | |
| C-15 | Dindoshi Bus Depot | Worli Bus Depot | |
| C-21 | Colaba Bus Depot | Anushakti Nagar Bus Station | |
| C-33 | Goregaon Bus Station (West) | Worli Bus Depot | |
| C-40 | Dindoshi Bus Depot | Sewree Bus Station | |
| C-42 | Daldani Park (Thane) | Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion) | Also in AC Service |
| C-53 | Kalamboli Bus Station | Ghatkopar Bus Station | |
| C-54 | Airoli Bus Station | Worli Bus Depot | |
| C-55 | C.B.D. Belapur Bus Station | Bandra (West) Bus Station | |
| C-60 | Deonar Bus Depot | Borivali Railway Station (East) | Sometimes in AC Service |
| C-61 | Mira Road Railway Station (East) | Mulund Bus Depot | |
| C-71 | Mahim Bus Station | ||
| C-72 | Bhayandar Railway Station (East) | Rani Laxmibai Chowk (Sion) | AC route |
| C-86 | Bandra Reclamation Bus Station | Backbay Bus Depot | |
| C-305 | Dharavi Bus Depot | ||
| C-373 | Gawanpada (Mulund East) | Bandra Reclamation Bus Station | |
| C-440 | Borivali Railway Station (East) | Wadala Bus Depot | |
| C-505 | C.B.D. Belapur Bus Station | Bandra (West) Bus Station | |
| C-513 | Vashi Railway Station | Mulund Bus Depot | |
| C-521 | Ghansoli Village | Wadala Bus Depot | Also a LTD Route |
| C-700 | Magathane Bus Depot | Thane Railway Station (East) | Also a LTD route |
| C-718 | Dindoshi Bus Depot | Bhayandar 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]
| Route | Route No. on apps | Origin | Destination | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BKC-1 | 182 | Bandra Bus Station (East) | Diamond Market, BKC | Bandra 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-2 | 183 | Kurla Bus Station (West) | Swavalamban Bhavan, BKC | Kurla 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-3 | 187 | Bandra Bus Station (East) | CA Institute, BKC | Bandra 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-21 | Diamond Market, BKC | Bandra 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-22 | Kurla 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-23 | CA Institute, BKC | Bandra 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) | 889 | Magathane Bus Depot | Mira 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. With effect from 24 May 2024, the Chalo Bus services have been stopped.[35]
| Route | Route No. on apps | Origin | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport-1 | S-104 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport | Cuffe Parade Macchimaar Nagar | Only BEST Bus going on Bandra-Worli Sea Link.Not operational anymore. |
| Airport-2 | S-105 | Sector 35 (Kharghar) | ||
| Airport-3 | AS-883 | Borivali Railway Station (East) | ||
| Airport-4 | S-106 | Lodha Splendora (Thane) | ||
| Airport-5 | AS-886 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Domestic Terminal 1) | Airport Terminal 2 to Airport Terminal 1 | |
| Airport-6 | S-124 | Don Bosco School (Borivali) | Not operational anymore. | |
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 |
Origin | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOHO-1 (AS-885) | Juhu Beach | Gatway of India | Route - 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 India | Juhu Beach | Route - 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 Terminus | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | Route - 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 |
Origin | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-101 | Lodha Splendora (Thane) | Maker Maxity (BKC)/MMRDA Or Family Court | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-102 | Bandra Railway Station (East) | ONGC Office (BKC) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-103 | Lodha Splendora (Thane) Via Hiranandani Estate | Maker Maxity (BKC)/MMRDA Or Family Court | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-106 | Lodha Splendora (Thane) | JB Nagar (Andheri) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-107 | Lodha Splendora (Thane) | Hiranandani Garden (Powai) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-108 | Kanjurmarg Railway Station (West) | One Boulevard (Powai) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-109 | Saki Naka Metro Station | Hiranandani Garden (Powai) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-110 | Haiko (Powai) | Delfi (Powai) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-111 | Lodha Splendora (Thane) | Gundavali Metro Station (Andheri) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-112 | MMRDA Car Park (BKC) | Gundavali Metro Station (Andheri) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-113 | Bandra Bus Station (East) | Equinox Business Complex (BKC) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-114 | Maker Maxity (BKC) | Sector 35 (Kharghar) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-115 | Maker Maxity/MMRDA Or Family Court | Sai Sangam (CBD Belapur) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-116 | Marol Depot | Sector 35 (Kharghar) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-118 | Hindustan Unilever Ltd (Andheri) | Dosti County (Thane) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-120 | Bahar Cinema (Andheri) | ONGC Office (BKC) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-121 | Agarkar Chowk (Andheri) | Seepz Village | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-122 | Agarkar Chowk (Andheri) | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-124 | Shimpoli Telephone Exchange (Borivali) | Domestic Airport Terminal 1A | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-125 | Laxmi Tower (BKC)/ICICI Bank | Maxus Mall (Bhayander) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-129 | Maker Maxity (BKC)/MMRDA Or Family Court | Dosti County (Thane) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-132 | Maker Maxity (BKC) | Bhoomi Oscar Circle (Ghansoli) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-143 | Borivali Station East | Marathon Chowk Teen Hath Naka (Thane) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-145 | World Trade Centre | Manjiri Paradise Sector 35 (Kharghar) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours, and the only BEST bus to go through Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) |
| S-146 | World Trade Centre | Lodha Splendora (Thane) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-147 | Comrade P.K. Kurne Chowk (Worli) | Lodha Splendora (Thane) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-148 | Prabodhankar Thakre Nagar Bus Station | Vashi Railway Station | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-149 | Prabodhankar Thakre Nagar Bus Station | Vashi Railway Station | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-150 | Agarkar Chowk (Andheri) | Vashi Railway Station | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-151 | Vanrai Or Mhada Colony | Flower Valley Or Viviana Mall | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-152 | Agarkar Chowk (Andheri) | Hiranandani Powai Bus Station | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-153 | Mumbai Central Depot | Veer Kotwal Udyan Plaza (Dadar) | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-154 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Via Bhatia Baug | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-155 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Via Bhatia Baug | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-157 | Santacruz Railway Station West | Juhu Bus Station | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-158 | Father Agnel Ashram (Bandra) | Bandra Bus Station West | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-167 | Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk | Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-169 | Byculla Railway Station West | Byculla Railway Station West | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
| S-170 | Andheri Bus Station West Or Kumkum | Juhu Beach Bus Station | Fully Reserved bus route operated only during peak hours |
Types of bus services
| Route | Description |
|---|---|
| Ordinary | Ordinary 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. |
| Limited | Buses 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'. |
| Special | These 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'. |
| Corridor | These 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 Conditioned | These bus routes are air conditioned, they can be ordinary, limited or point to point. The route number starts with 'A or AS'. |
| Airport Premium | These bus routes are air conditioned and serve the International Airport. These routes are identified by route number with word 'AIRPORT' written. |
| Hop on, Hop off | These bus routes are air conditioned and serve Mumbai Darshan. These routes are identified by word 'HOHO' written. Their livery is a little unique. |
| Premium | These 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:
- Single journey (paper ticket issued by the bus conductor and validated by ticket punch)
- Chalo App (digital ticket)
- Chalo Card
- National Common Mobility Card
- Daily pass on Chalo App
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
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
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]
- The prize for the second best production achievement by an urban transport body in the country for the year 1982.
- The second prize for production achievement in Urban Transport during the year 1984.
- A memento for the Administrative Report and Statement of Accounts of the Undertaking for the year 1983–84 awarded by the selection committee nominated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
- The first place and the Best production achievement award in the category of urban transport for the year 1986–87.
- National Productivity Award for the year 1991–92.
- Award for the best passenger-safety record for the year 1994.
- The award for the Best Passenger-Safety performance in Urban Transport in the whole country instituted by the Association of State Road Transport Undertaking (ASRTU) for the year 1995–96.
- International Road Safety Award for the year 2003.
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
References
Notes
External links
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