This announcement is particularly timely for BEST, as it navigates through various financial and operational challenges. The updates include the introduction of new air-conditioned (AC) routes, the rerouting of existing services, renumbering, and alterations to operational schedules, all set to take effect on Sunday.
“The initiative is part of a broader route rationalization plan designed to align the bus network with operational metro corridors, enhance feeder connectivity, and respond to long-standing passenger feedback,” an official said, as reported by The Free Press Journal.
In recent developments, BEST, which is the second-largest public transport operator in Mumbai, implemented a fare hike to increase fare-box revenue. Currently, it operates about 2,700 buses, catering to nearly 30 lakh passengers daily.
Commuters are encouraged to review the updated schedules and route maps to plan their journeys effectively.
Here are the key changes taking effect on June 1:
New Air-Conditioned Routes
A175: A circular AC route linking Pratiksha Nagar Depot to Prabodhankar Thackeray Udyan via Antop Hill, Vadala Church, and Khodadad Circle.
A490: A long-distance AC service operating between Mantralaya and Balkum, Thane (East), via the Eastern Express Highway.
Route Modifications
AC10: Now rerouted through Hutatma Chowk, Mahatma Phule Mandai, and Bhendi Bazar, bypassing the Dockyard area.
Route 11 Limited (Navy Nagar to Bandra Colony East): It will avoid stops at Jijamata Udyan, Jaihind Cinema, and Lalbaug due to a new flyover diversion, rerouting along Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road between Byculla Station (East) and Parel, passing beneath the Lalbaug Flyover.
Route 212 (Sewri to Bandra Reclamation): Now rerouted through Wadia Hospital and Spring Mill.
Route 181: This service has been expanded to run between Antop Hill and Marol Depot effective June 1.
Route 56: Will exclusively operate AC buses on Sundays, adopting the new number A-56.
Renumbering and Changes
Route 25: Renamed as Route 29.
Route A25: Now terminates at Rani Laxmibai Chowk instead of Kurla Depot.
Route 79: Now concludes at Charkop instead of Gorai Depot.
Route 124: Now runs from Colaba Bus Station to Worli Depot throughout the week.
Route A89: This service will operate from Monday to Saturday.
Upgrades to AC Services
Route 8 (Mantralaya to Shivaji Nagar): Converted to AC service and redesignated as A8.
Route 44 (Kala Chowki to Worli Depot): Upgraded to AC service and renumbered as A-44.
Route 125: Now provided as an AC service and renamed A-125, with a reroute via Mohammed Ali Road.
Route 241: Converted to AC service with a new route designation, A-241.
