BEST's 2nd e-double decker hits roads; issues faced in 1st one unresolved

Within a month of introducing the first air-conditioned electric double decker bus (e-bus), the civic-run Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has started plying second such vehicle in the city, but the passengers, enthusiasts and staffers said they were left disappointed as the issues they had flagged in the first bus remained unaddressed in the latest service.

The first electric double decker bus was introduced in the city on February 21.

The second such bus, registered at the Vashi Regional Transport Office (RTO) on March 17, is being operated on route no 138 between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Backbay Depot in south Mumbai, besides being used for heritage tours, a BEST spokesperson said.

A few minor internal changes have been done in this bus based on the passengers feedback given after the bus first was introduced, he said.

The second electric double decker bus has been hired on wet lease from a private operator.

The BEST staffers, passengers