No Footprints Explore and the Ministry of Mumbai’s Magic help celebrate the backbone of Mumbai- the BEST Bus
No Footprints Explore, in partnership with Ministry of Mumbai’s Magic, curated a commuter experience that tied everyday travel in the city with engaging climate and liveability conversations.
On World Environment Day, 5 June 2022: Patrons were taken on a tour around the city on the open-top BEST bus to indulge in conversations around the importance of buses as the backbone of Mumbai.
A Zine and limited edition set of stickers were shared which emphasized on sustainable mobility as a climate solution using interesting infographics. The Zine also had a QR code which redirected the patrons to participate in sharing their perception of a viable and efficient bus transport system for Mumbai.
No Footprints Explore, in collaboration with the Ministry of Mumbai’s Magic, invited Mumbaikars to join them on a curated bus tour that took them on a journey of re-exploring the history of BEST buses to invoke a sense of nostalgia. Building on their sense of pride and joy for the city, the tour facilitated conversations on a modern, sustainable bus system in honor of World Environment Day held on Sunday 5 June 2022. The bus tour will be a part of Ministry of Mumbai’s Magic’s ongoing campaign for Envisioning Mumbai 2.0 which aims to create an active climate movement of Mumbaikars who lead inclusive active climate action for their city.
The tour highlighted the importance of public mobility, specifically in Mumbai where the bus system is critical to improving the city’s livability. Over the years, the BEST- Bus has enabled people to access livelihood, education, services and leisure opportunities in the city. Arguably one of the core elements of the city’s sustainable development visions, public mobility is a critical element of the Maharashtra government’s climate vision and sustainable development agenda. Maharashtra’s EV policy, released last year, aims for BEST buses to be electric by 2028.
The tour invited audiences from different backgrounds to revisit the role of BEST buses in Mumbai by asking “What is BEST for Mumbai?” and allowing Mumbaikars to give their own suggestions and solutions for Mumbai’s public transportation system as well as their vision for their modern, sustainable bus system for their city. A Zine with some fun infographics and some branded stickers was shared with the participants that presented the evolution of BEST from its humble beginning, and showcased what lies in its future in context of the climate plans of the city. The Zine also had a QR code which redirected the patrons to participate in sharing their vision of a viable and efficient bus transport system for Mumbai. Video and vox pops were taken as a digital survey for participants and the voices of those engaged in the campaign were disseminated post the event.
The bus tour kick-started at 8:15 AM from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, drove past Kala Ghoda, University of Mumbai, Bombay High Court and halted at Oval Maidan for 10 minutes. After that, the bus drove to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station and halted for a further 15 minutes. After that, they drove past the Asiatic Library, Old Custom House, The Police Headquarters, Mantralaya, Marine Drive, Worli Sea Face, the Bandra-Worli Sealink and then stopped at the BEST Museum. The tour ended at the BEST Canteen with some snacks and informal engagement with the drivers and conductors.
“The importance of public mobility cannot be overstated, especially for a city like Mumbai. Not only is it essential for people to access livelihood, education, services and leisure – and thus critical to improving the city’s liveability – but it is also a necessary piece to drive the city’s economy. We want to enable a conversation on the importance of buses as the backbone of Mumbai as a plug into driving participation of Mumbai youth for the city’s liveability policies by presenting their solutions, perceptions and suggestions..” – No Footprints Explore