BEST retires last Mumbai Urban Transport Project bus

MUMBAI: Bus enthusiasts on Monday gave farewell to the last of the bus bought under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 15 years ago by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST).
A group of enthusiasts wrote to the BEST administration and expressed their desire to hire the bus for a private ride on Saturday.
The fans bid an emotional farewell by cutting a cake with an image of the bus embossed on it. The fans also decorated the bus and felicitated the crew.
These buses were introduced back in 2005-06.
Since then, they have garnered immense popularity amongst the passengers and BEST workers.
There were a total of 664 MUTP buses in the fleet of BEST.
They were popular among commuters for the wide windscreen and comfort in travel. The bus had Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic and a semi-aerodynamic shaped front.
Due to air suspension on the rear axle, passengers on the last seats could sit comfortably without any jerks.
It had a good mileage as compared to other buses in the fleet.
Having two steps on the door instead of the regular three steps made it easier for senior citizens and physically challenged people to board or alight the bus, sources said.