The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport Corporation (NMMT) has officially discontinued its air-conditioned diesel bus service operating between Panvel and Bandra. Effective from 1^st January 2024, the route will be serviced by conventional diesel buses, marking the end of a 15-year run for the air-conditioned service on route number 105.

Over the years, the Panvel-Bandra bus service has undergone various transformations, transitioning from initially being diesel air-conditioned to simpler configurations, then electric, and finally returning to diesel air-conditioned buses. Six buses have been catering to passengers on this route throughout the day.

“Diesel buses in Mumbai are allowed to operate for up to 8 years, and the air-conditioned buses on this route reached the end of their lifespan on December 31st. Consequently, the NMMT administration has made the decision to discontinue the diesel air-conditioned bus service, acknowledging the financial challenges associated with the route”, said an official from NMMT.

The move to simpler diesel buses has been influenced by both economic considerations and the operational lifespan of the air-conditioned fleet. Additionally, the decision is aligned with a cost-effective approach, as the current ticket prices for the BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) buses on the same route are lower than those of N.M.M.T. and BEST offers more frequent trips.

As a result, commuters have shown a preference for BEST buses, leading to increased occupancy in BEST buses compared to N.M.M.T. services. The discontinuation of the air-conditioned bus service is expected to streamline operations for N.M.M.T., allowing for greater efficiency and alignment with the preferences of the commuting public.