For a while, the BEST undertaking has been planning to slowly phase-out its fleet of 120 out-of-use double-decker buses, and has also lined up 10-12 of them for disposal. However, in a bid to preserve the city's heritage, BEST committee member Suhas Samant suggested that the buses could be used to ply local tourists or as public toilets.

Speaking to mid-day, Samant said, "The BEST has lined up about 10-12 buses for disposal, but the proposal hasn't got any response yet. What I suggest is that these buses could be used for local tours like Nilambari if their roofs are removed." He added, "If they cannot be run at all, then they can be used as public toilet units."