Mumbai: Over 17 bus enthusiasts in Mumbai bid a heartfelt farewell to the city’s last BEST-owned Tata CNG non-AC bus, marking the end of an era in public transportation. The group embarked on a nostalgic journey across the city on Saturday, celebrating with a cake while honouring the drivers and conductors who served on this bus during its tenure.
The farewell event held significance as this bus, equipped with a roller board for route indicators, represented the last of its kind in the full-sized bus category. Presently, only the non-AC midi buses retain roller indicators, with all other buses in the fleet having transitioned to electronic route displays. “We will dearly miss the traditional roller indicators on a bus of this size,” expressed one bus enthusiast. The initiative to commemorate the bus’s retirement originated from passionate fans who organised a final journey as a tribute before its official decommissioning in the first week of July. Introduced in 2008-09 with sliding windows, the bus faced challenges over the years but was later revitalised by BEST, leading to improved operational efficiency on various routes. It predominantly served the Dindoshi, Mumbai Central, and Magathane depots, earning a special place among commuters in the western suburbs, particularly on the Borivali route from station to Rawalpada. “This non-AC bus was beloved among commuters, offering reliable service in areas where it remained operational until its retirement,” noted another enthusiast. The event underscored the sentimental attachment of Mumbai’s bus enthusiasts to this iconic vehicle, highlighting its role in the city’s public transport history. As Mumbai’s bus fleet continues to evolve with modern technology, the farewell to the Tata CNG non-AC bus symbolises a transition towards more advanced and efficient transportation solutions.
