Mumbai’s public transport network has lost an important connection with the discontinuation of BEST bus route A471, formerly known as 524L. The route served different groups of commuters, from early-morning vegetable and fruit vendors to office-goers travelling across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
The bus once connected Borivli East with Vashi’s Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market, helping vendors reach the market before the day began. Later, it offered connectivity for employees travelling towards Powai, SEEPZ, Andheri and Goregaon.
The route began facing major changes in July 2021, when most services were shortened to Ghatkopar depot. By September that year, buses no longer reached Vashi. In September 2024, the Borivli–Ghatkopar service was converted into an air-conditioned service and renamed A471. However, passenger trips gradually reduced until only one service remained.
BEST officials cited low passenger response as the reason for discontinuing the route. Commuters, however, believe that restoring a few services during morning and evening peak hours could help meet their travel needs.
Bus enthusiast Shubham Padave has also proposed restarting the route with four to five peak-hour trips using electric buses with greater range.
For now, BEST has suggested alternative routes, including 489 Ltd, A-470, A-458 and A-460. The cancellation has renewed concerns among commuters who relied on the direct, affordable connection to avoid multiple transfers.
