Mumbai's Iconic BEST Bus Service Completes 100 Years, Marking a Century of Public Transport Excellence

The BEST bus service commenced operations in 1926 with just 24 buses running on a single route between Afghan Church in Colaba and Crawford Market. From that humble beginning, the fleet has expanded significantly, and today BEST operates 2,804 buses across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

At present, BEST runs more than 400 routes covering Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Mira-Bhayander. The extensive network serves approximately 2.5 million passengers every day, making it one of the most heavily used public transport systems in the country.

Before the introduction of bus services, residents of Mumbai primarily depended on electric trams, suburban railway services, horse-drawn trams, and horse-drawn carriages for daily transportation. A major milestone in the organization's history came in 1937, when the first double-decker buses were introduced into the BEST fleet, becoming one of the city's most recognizable public transport symbols.

Today, BEST stands as Mumbai's second-largest mode of public transportation after the suburban railway network. The completion of its centenary reflects a remarkable journey of growth, modernization, and continuous service, underscoring its enduring role in connecting millions of commuters and shaping the city's transport infrastructure for the past 100 years.