Those of you who remember Flanders and Swann will doubtless recall one of their best-known songs, all about a scarlet-painted, diesel-engined, ninty-seven horsepower omnibus. But, whilst they may now be but a distant memory in London, not much has changed in Mumbai, with some glorious old boneshakers still dominating the streets.
Mostly single decker these days, they are utterly disabled unfriendly, with steep steps and narrow doorways (assuming that the bus actually stops) to be negotiated. The conductor operates predominantly with one hand on the cord operating the bell but, in fairness, they do have some kind of Oystercard system, so he now has a computerised ticket machine. The ride is uniformly awful, the seats uncomfortable (or am I getting old?) but the fare is cheap, despite today's exorbitant fare rises - I paid 13 rupees (about 14p) to get from Mahim to Santa Cruz today.
It is, in truth, a throwback to my childhood forty years ago, travelling the city from uncle to aunt and back again to Nana in Eagle's Nest.
Tomorrow, I'm heading into the Fort area, the old commercial hub of the city, with a little shopping in mind, and, whilst I could simply catch a train from Santa Cruz to Churchgate, that would be too easy, although almost as much of an adventure. I think that I've worked out the bus routes so, keep your fingers crossed...
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