Did You Know? Mumbai’s Red Buses Have Been Moving Millions Since 1926

Did You Know Mumbai Started India’s First Bus Service?

Did you know that nearly a century ago, Mumbai made history by becoming the first city in India to introduce a motor bus service?

On 15 July 1926, the very first bus ran between Afghan Church and Crawford Market, operated by the Bombay Electric Supply & Transport (BEST). That year alone, almost 600,000 passengers hopped on these buses, making commuting easier and faster for the growing city. Imagine the excitement back then, seeing a motor bus glide through the streets must have felt like magic!

From those early days, Mumbai’s red buses have grown into something much bigger than transportation. They became part of the city’s identity. Over the decades, BEST introduced double-decker buses, air-conditioned models, and accessibility-friendly vehicles. But even as the fleet modernized, the charm of the red bus stayed the same, a familiar, reliable companion for anyone trying to navigate Mumbai’s busy streets.

Did you know that today, BEST operates over 3,200 buses, connecting distant suburbs to bustling business districts, railway stations, and markets? And the city isn’t stopping there. Hundreds of buses are already electric or CNG-powered, and the goal is to make the entire fleet electric by 2027. That means cleaner air, quieter streets, and a greener Mumbai for future generations.

But BEST buses are more than just steel and wheels. They carry stories and memories. Students remember the thrill of riding the top deck, office-goers recall their crowded morning commutes, and vendors rely on the buses to reach markets on time. The buses witness the city waking up, rushing, laughing, and sometimes just catching a breath in between the chaos.

Even with challenges like overcrowding, rising fares, and operational delays, BEST remains Mumbai’s lifeline, moving millions every single day. These red buses aren’t just a way to get from point A to point B  they are the pulse of the city, quietly connecting people, neighborhoods, and dreams.

So next time you see a red BEST bus rolling down the street, remember: you’re witnessing history in motion. You’re riding the legacy of India’s first bus service, nearly a hundred years in the making, still keeping the city alive, moving, and vibrant.