Electric double-decker may soon ply from C’gate, Kurla

Mumbai: Commuters who boarded BEST’s new electric double-decker bus on Tuesday appeciated the service. “There was a proper queue and no more loose change problems due to compulsory digital ticketing (tap-in tap-out) on the bus,” said Kishore Desai, a traveller.

Many liked the fact that the bus had two staircases, which will reduce crowding and pushing while boarding and alighting. The rule is to board from the front door and exit from the rear door. Standees were not allowed on the upper deck while those with cash in hand were asked to take the Chalo card for topping up cash and subsequently tapping on the machines to check in and check out of the bus. BEST expects to increase the number of commuters on digital platforms with its 100% digital buses, with average daily users close to eight lakh at present.