Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport facts for kids

The BEST (which stands for Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport) is a very important organization in Mumbai, India. It's like a superhero for the city, providing two main services: public transport and electricity. Imagine a company that helps you get around town and also keeps your lights on!

BEST is owned by the government and has been around for a long time, since 1873. It runs one of India's biggest bus fleets, which means it has a huge number of buses.

A Bit of History

BEST started out as a company that ran trams, which are like electric streetcars. This was way back in 1873. Then, in 1905, it began supplying electricity to Mumbai. Later, in 1926, it started operating buses, which became a very popular way for people to travel.

The city's government manages BEST, but it works like its own independent body. This means it has a lot of freedom to make decisions about its services.

Getting Around Mumbai

BEST's bus service covers almost all of Mumbai and even goes to areas just outside the city. So, whether you need to go to school, visit friends, or explore the city, there's likely a BEST bus that can take you there.

Besides buses, BEST also runs a ferry service. This helps people cross water bodies, making travel easier in some parts of Mumbai.

Powering the City

The electricity part of BEST is also very successful. It's one of the few electricity departments in India that makes a profit every year. This profit helps BEST keep its services running smoothly and improve them for the people of Mumbai.

What's in a Name?

Until 1995, BEST was known as the Bombay Electricity Supply and Transport. But then, the city's name officially changed from Bombay to Mumbai. So, the organization's name also changed to Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport. "Brihanmumbai" means "Greater Mumbai," showing that BEST serves a wider area.

Images for kids

• 

  City's first electric tram in 1907

• 

  Gas lamps of the early 20th century

• 

  The city's first bus in 1926.

• 

  City's first double-decker tram in 1920

• 

  Management structure of BEST

• 

  A BEST AC mini-bus

• 

  Power, supplied by the Tata Group is brought to the city across creeks in pylons like these.

• 

  Transport revenues

• 

  Electricity revenues: Blue–Income, Red–Expenditure, Green–Net profits

• 

  Net profit/loss

• 

  A BEST double-decker bus

• 

  A CNG powered BEST bus

See also

In Spanish: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport para niños