MUMBAI: More than a thousand commuters, including officegoers and college students, were among those who travelled on day one of the launch of BEST's electric double-decker bus-from CSMT to Nariman Point and back.

"It was a novelty and also a proud moment to be on India's first electric double-decker.

These kinds of buses operate in London.

Ours is giving us an international feel," said Suresh Tamhane, an officegoer.

"I will prefer to opt for this double-decker again although there is only one bus in the fleet as of now.

BEST should replace all single-deckers on the A-115 route (CSMT to Nariman Point/NCPA) with double-deckers."Many travellers enjoyed the ride.

A young woman commuter said she was happy about safety features such as CCTV cameras, a panic button and live tracking of buses on BEST's app.

Commuters who boarded BEST's new electric double-decker bus on Tuesday appeciated the service.

"There was a proper queue and no more loose change problems due to compulsory digital ticketing (tap-in tap-out) on the bus," said Kishore Desai, a traveller.Many liked the fact that the bus had two staircases, which will reduce crowding and pushing while boarding and alighting.

The rule is to board from the front door and exit from the rear door.

Standees were not allowed on the upper deck while those with cash in hand were asked to take the Chalo card for topping up cash and subsequently tapping on the machines to check in and check out of the bus.

BEST expects to increase the number of commuters on digital platforms with its 100% digital buses, with average daily users close to eight lakh at present.BEST is likely to launch an electric double-decker from Churchgate later this week and then from Kurla and Colaba.

BEST spokesperson Manoj Varade said, "It was a historic moment for the undertaking.

We distributed sweets to every passenger on the first bus which left CSMT at 8.45am.

And the response was overwhelming on day one."BEST general manager Lokesh Chandra said he has asked the firm Switch Mobility to provide additional buses at the earliest so that BEST can plan a couple of new routes in the next few days.

Activist Irfan Machiwala demanded that BEST should re-introduce double-deckers on the Colaba-Mahim route.

There is also demand for route 123, which covers Marine Drive.