Mumbai: BEST revives iconic Route No. 1 as A1 AC service after year-long pause

“The earlier Route No. 1 was temporarily discontinued as part of BEST’s ongoing route rationalisation exercise. The new A1 service is a restructured version, introduced to improve operational efficiency and commuter comfort,” said the BEST spokesperson.

Route No. 1, once one of the city’s oldest and most recognisable bus lines, was discontinued quietly in mid-2024. In its absence, the undertaking introduced Route 51 and other alternatives that covered portions of the same corridor. However, regular commuters complained that the replacements did not fully serve the needs of those travelling between Colaba and Bandra Reclamation.

The original Route No. 1 holds a unique place in Mumbai’s transport history. It was first introduced as Route A during the city’s tram era and later renumbered when motor buses took over. In 1937, it became the first route to feature a double-decker bus, a Daimler-class vehicle that would go on to define Mumbai’s visual transport identity for decades.

For several years, Route 1 connected Colaba to Mahim and was later extended to Bandra Reclamation. It remained in regular operation even during the Covid-19 lockdowns when local trains were restricted to essential workers. A night variant, Route 1 Ltd, had also earned a niche following among late-night travellers and was affectionately dubbed as “vampire route” by bus enthusiasts.

The newly reintroduced A1 service will run air-conditioned buses only, with departure points at Electric House and Bandra Reclamation Bus Depot. Morning departures are scheduled for 8.00 am, 8.30 am, 9 am, 9.31 am, 10.05 am and 10.35 am. Evening services will run at 3.40 pm, 4.10 pm, 4.40 pm, 5.15 pm, 5.45 pm and 6.15 pm.