[TusharK]

Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) is auctioning off old double-decker buses that have been in service for more than 15 years.



BEST has 120 double-decker buses in its fleet. Out of these, 100 have been decommissioned. These will be replaced with newer models in a phased manner in 2021.



The Ashok Leyland Titan double-decker buses that used to ply in Mumbai are modelled on London's AEC Routemaster bus. BEST had initially planned to phase the double-decker buses out completely but public sentiment forced the operator to continue the service.

Source: Rajendra Aklekar

Link to Team-BHP News

[parrys]

How I wish someone makes use of them as a parked Food Bus.

[silverado]

If BMC gives space for their parking , someone can actually buy this as Motorhome, although not very motorable.
Think about cheap living space in City of mumbai

Atleast one of them should be converted in to museum by BEST, it can showcase history of double deckers in City.

[invincii]

Originally Posted by parrys

How I wish someone makes use of them as a parked Food Bus.

I agree, there are many such examples abroad; also a modified double-decker bus was featured in Hollywood inspired Bollywood movie Chef (2017). The 11 East Street Cafe in Pune features one as a part of their London themed Cafe.

Would love to see such double-decker buses featured as kitchens and cool seating areas in cafes, installations in parks and aisle for viewing paintings in art galleries rather than ending up as scrap metal.

Source: This photo of 11 East Street Cafe is courtesy of Tripadvisor

[GTO]

Originally Posted by parrys

How I wish someone makes use of them as a parked Food Bus.

Man, what an idea! Would be a killer food bus. I really wish that the concept of food trucks & buses takes off in India. Post-Covid, of course.

Originally Posted by silverado

Think about cheap living space in City of mumbai

The cost of parking such a mammoth in pricey Bombay will easily equal that of a 1 - 2 BHK in Navi Mumbai. A parking slot for a regular car costs 1+ crore in some hotspots of South Bombay and I hear is past 50 lakhs in proper Bandra.

I reckon the only bidders in this auction will be scrapyard dudes who are looking for the metal.

[TejasKinger]

I remember seeing this one in London, back in 2016, being used for a wedding party. These would be great as party buses or for heritage tours.

[AkMar]

This is the regular process for overaged buses of BEST, nothing new in it. It keeps on happening round the year. Just because the buses involved are double deckers this time, it has gained attention Scrap dealers win these auctions most of the times. If any other individual gets one of these through auction I will be very glad. But I have few hopes as I suspect its a well oiled process with various "settings", if you know what I mean.

[saikarthik]

To put them for better use and maintain their historical image,

Option 1: They can be acquired by tourism ministry to upscale/convert them as round the city tours or Incredible India trips as private chartable fully sufficient caravans!

Option 2: convert them to some stalls near historic locations like museums, or CST station.

Option 3: Give them to 5 star hotels or theme parks or resorts as shuttles.

[silverado]

Originally Posted by GTO

Man, what an idea! Would be a killer food bus.

The cost of parking l.

There is a double decker food bus lying idle since precovid days here in Baner- Pune.Food bus concept is great but again the issue of parking comes.

Agreed its very much impossible to use this as Motorhome in Mumbai, but how about using it as one outside Mumbai? For eg : If someone owns a open plot he can simply take this Bus, refurbish it and use it as a Double decker home!

And think about Novelty factor involved here, what if someone converts this in to a resort/hotel!

I hope they are in driveable state.
Of course no matter what we dream about,they are going to get Axed by Scrap yard guys which is a sad end.

[abhinavsureka]

How does one participate in the auction? And does anyone have any idea about the expected price?

[ruzbehxyz]

The process of scrapping started in 2019.

Here's the TBhp link : https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/comme...ut-2023-a.html

[mmxylorider]

Motorhome/Food trucks are fine - though a food truck does not need included seating. At least in the States, food trucks offer to-go service. I would love to see some private company use them for Mumbai tours like the hop on hop off services in multiple cities worldwide. An alternative could be a blinged up bus available on rent to make a statement at some event - like a limo, stretched vertically!!