Mumbai’s loyal BEST bus commuters struggle as fleet shrinks and services falter

As Mumbai’s BEST bus fleet dwindles and routes shorten, diehard commuters the city’s ‘bus bhakts’ face long waits, crowding, and uncertainty. Once a symbol of reliability, the network now tests passenger patience as services decline despite fare hikes and ambitious electrification plans

It’s not just the lakhs of commuters missing regular bus services — with a dwindling fleet, delays, and shorter routes, the devotion of Mumbai’s ‘bus bhakts’ is also being tested. These diehard commuters, who insist on riding only BEST buses despite long waits and crowded routes, are struggling as fleets shrink and services falter. As loyal bus fans, they wait patiently at stops, plan backup routes, and treat every ride like a ritual — but the falling number of buses and hours-long delays have become the