Mumbai's BEST buses to feature live tracking on Google Maps soon; details

Mumbai commuters can soon bid farewell to the frustration of waiting endlessly for buses. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) BEST has collaborated with Google Maps to offer real-time bus tracking, aiming to make Mumbai’s public transport more efficient and commuter-friendly.

This integration aims to reduce wait times between buses from 35-45 minutes to just 15-20 minutes, making public transport more reliable and frequent.

Within a month, passengers will be able to track all 402 BEST bus routes in real-time through Google Maps, allowing them to plan journeys with unprecedented precision.

The system will suggest multi-modal transport options including buses, metro, local trains, and auto-rickshaws for seamless connectivity. For BEST, this partnership extends beyond passenger convenience, it provides valuable data to optimise routes, potentially increasing their bus occupancy from 49% to 72%.

This digital transformation coincides with BEST's ambitious plan to expand its fleet from 2,900 to 3,500 buses by June, with a focus on shorter, high-demand routes connecting railway and metro stations.

• Enter Your Journey Details: Simply input your starting point and destination into Google Maps.

• Route Recommendations: Google Maps will suggest the fastest and most efficient travel options using real-time GPS data.

• Multi-Modal Travel: The app will offer a variety of transport options, including BEST buses, metro, local trains, auto-rickshaws, and taxis, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

• Live Bus Updates: Get real-time notifications on bus arrival times, delays, and route changes to stay informed throughout your journey.