Mumbai’s BEST is restructuring bus routes to improve last-mile access to Metro and railway stations. By replacing long-distance services with short, high-frequency feeder routes driven by real-time commuter data, the move aims to cut congestion, save fuel, and align with the city’s expanding Metro network—offering faster, smarter, and more efficient urban transit for daily commuters.
Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has launched a pivotal reorganisation of its city bus routes, aiming to close the gap between Metro stations and residential or commercial zones with smart, sustainable, and commuter-friendly transit options. The decision comes amid the city’s rapid expansion of Metro corridors—particularly along the newly operational Lines 2A (Dahisar West to DN Nagar) and 7 (Dahisar East to Gundavali). These corridors have not only reshaped how Mumbaikars travel, but also redefined what effective urban mobility must look like in a post-pandemic, data-driven world. BEST’s recalibration is designed to fill in the missing pieces between train alightments and final destinations. According to officials at BEST, internal commuter data collected from the Chalo app—which allows passengers to track bus schedules and routes—has played a significant role in shaping the new plan. It revealed a clear commuter preference: short and swift trips that link rail, Metro, and buses into a seamless chain of transport, rather than relying on a single long-distance bus route. This changing user behaviour has become the foundation of a new model for city transit.
In route 416—once stretching from Oshiwara Depot to Goregaon Station (West)—now terminates at Bangur Nagar Metro Station. This strategic downsizing is not about offering less; rather, it is about offering smarter service—where frequency, speed, and intermodal access outweigh distance. The pivot to feeder services with shorter spans has also led to the introduction of mini buses in densely populated or narrow-lane residential areas, allowing smoother access for passengers unable to reach Metro stations on foot or by rickshaw. These mini buses, which require less space and consume less fuel, are proving to be a green and flexible option for last-mile connectivity. The move is not merely logistical but strategic.
BEST aims to improve urban mobility without adding to the city’s already strained road networks. With shorter routes requiring fewer buses and quicker return trips, the entire system becomes leaner and more responsive to on-the-ground realities. Fuel efficiency, operational savings, and real-time data feedback are now central to the evolution of Mumbai’s public transport network. An official familiar with the restructuring initiative pointed out that this phase is only the beginning. “As the Metro footprint expands across Mumbai, new feeder and connector services will emerge. We will continuously monitor feedback through digital platforms, adapt to commuter needs, and prioritise equitable access,” the official said.
Mumbai’s transit authorities will likely continue refining and realigning based on data trends, commuter needs, and Metro expansion. What emerges is a city in transit—literally and figuratively—towards a smarter, greener, and more connected future.
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Mumbai revamps bus routes near Metro stations
