🚘 RTO INDIA HELP: Mumbai RTO Code

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Why Do Mumbai BEST Bus Numbers Start with MH 01? (2025 Explained)

Have you ever noticed that every BEST bus in Mumbai — whether it's running in Colaba, Andheri, Malad, or Borivali — has a number plate starting with MH 01? You might wonder, “Why is it always MH 01, even when the bus is running in MH 02 or MH 03 areas?” Let’s break it down in this detailed 2025 guide.

What Does MH 01 Mean on a Number Plate?

Vehicle number plates in India follow a standard format based on regional registration. Here’s the breakdown:

MH stands for the state of Maharashtra.
01 refers to the RTO (Regional Transport Office) located in Tardeo, South Mumbai.

This means MH 01 is the official code for vehicles registered at the Tardeo RTO — one of the oldest and most important RTOs in Mumbai.

Why Are All BEST Buses Registered as MH 01?

BEST stands for Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport. It is a municipal transport undertaking operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The reason all BEST buses have MH 01 registration is because:

BMC’s head office is located in South Mumbai.
Buses are registered centrally under the jurisdiction of the Tardeo RTO (MH 01).
Even though the buses run citywide, they are not privately owned — they belong to a single government department.

Real Example:

If a BEST bus running between Malad and Andheri has the number MH 01 LA 2345, it means:

MH – Maharashtra
01 – South Mumbai RTO (Tardeo)
LA – Series of registration
2345 – Unique vehicle number

Even though the bus operates in a MH 02 area (Andheri), its registration remains with MH 01 because that’s where BEST buses are centrally registered.

List of Mumbai RTO Codes (For Comparison)

Here’s how Mumbai’s RTO codes are divided:

RTO Code	Area
MH 01	Tardeo (South Mumbai)
MH 02	Andheri (West Mumbai)
MH 03	Kurla (Eastern Suburbs)
MH 04	Thane
MH 47	Navi Mumbai

Private vehicles, school vans, and taxis are generally registered in the RTO of the owner's area. But government undertakings like BEST follow a centralized system.

What Makes MH 01 So Important for Mumbai?

The Tardeo RTO (MH 01) is one of the oldest in Maharashtra and handles the registration of many government and public transport vehicles. Key functions include:

Registration of BEST buses
Issuance of driving licences in South Mumbai
Vehicle transfer, tax collection, and permits

History of BEST Bus Registration in Mumbai

BEST started as a tram service in 1873 and introduced buses in 1926. Since then, all their vehicles have been registered under the RTO that served South Mumbai — which later became known as MH 01.

Even though Mumbai expanded to include suburbs, the registration system remained centralized for efficiency and standardization.

Difference Between Route Number and Registration Number

This is a common confusion:

Registration Number (like MH 01 LA 1234) is for legal identification of the vehicle.
Route Number (like 202, 302, A-74 Express) is the bus service path and public route number.

The route can change based on demand or timing, but the registration number stays the same throughout the life of the vehicle.

Why Not Register Buses in Local RTOs like MH 02?

This is a valid question, especially since the city has grown. Here’s why BMC continues with MH 01 for all buses:

All BEST buses are property of BMC, and BMC operates under South Mumbai jurisdiction.
Fleet management, insurance, and service records are easier to maintain when all registrations are at one place.
RTO permissions and renewals become efficient when centralized.

Depot-Level Operations vs. Registration

Mumbai has more than 25 BEST depots, such as:

Malvani Depot (Malad)
Dindoshi Depot (Goregaon)
Wadala Depot (Central Mumbai)
Colaba Depot (South Mumbai)

Each depot handles bus operation and maintenance, but not registration. Registration and licensing are done only at MH 01 RTO.

Common Myths About MH 01 Buses

Myth 1: MH 01 buses only run in South Mumbai

Reality: MH 01 is just the registration code. These buses run across Mumbai — from Virar to Navi Mumbai to Thane.

Myth 2: MH 02 buses are private

Reality: MH 02 vehicles are registered at the Andheri RTO. These include private cars, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and school buses — not government transport buses.

Benefits of Centralized Registration System

Registering all buses under MH 01 brings many advantages:

Uniformity: All public buses carry a single identity
Administrative Ease: One RTO handles all official paperwork
Fleet Management: Easier tracking, insurance, and audits
Brand Consistency: MH 01 has become a symbol of BEST buses

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I register my private vehicle under MH 01?

A: Only if you live in the South Mumbai jurisdiction or have valid address proof for that zone.

Q2: Is MH 01 more expensive than MH 02?

A: No. RTO charges are generally uniform across Mumbai RTOs, unless there's a difference in local road tax based on vehicle type or zone.

Q3: What if a BEST bus shifts to Navi Mumbai?

A: It will still retain its MH 01 number, as it is owned and operated by BMC, not Navi Mumbai’s municipal body.

Conclusion

Now you know why every BEST bus in Mumbai carries an MH 01 number plate. It's not about the route or the area — it's about where the bus is officially registered. MH 01 represents not just a region, but a legacy of Mumbai’s organized and historic public transport system.

So next time you see an MH 01 bus in your area, you'll know exactly why it's there!

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