In January, the Maharashtra government said the BEST would get 900 electric and AC double deckers, to provide a cleaner alternative to existing buses and reverse the decline in commuters. Bus lovers in the city say it's a start but have a longer wish list – including dedicated bus lanes, cleaner options, and a nod to Mumbai's old double deckers
Image for representational purpose only. File pic
“The real problem in Mumbai is the road and space shortage and it can be managed efficiently by using double decker buses,” says Ashok Datar, a city-based transport analyst, who believes buses and autorickshaws in combination can help solve Mumbai’s commuting woes. Travelling in Mumbai has been a perennial challenge, despite the life-saving local trains, especially because of growing traffic snarls. Rather than cars which only crowd up the road, buses seem to be the ideal solution– not just because they are cheaper but also because they carry more people, reducing the negative impact on the environment.