In late 2017, when the city learnt that its once-efficient Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) Undertaking was sitting on losses to the tune of Rs 880 crore, there was widespread shock and concern.

The proposed wet leasing of buses (form of agreement that provides multiple services to the individual leasing the property), cutting of student passes and increasing fares only sounded like death knell to many. At this point, a group of Mumbaikars, which includes Vidyadhar Date, former scribe with a broadsheet, and architect Hussain Indorewala, decided it was time they mobilised public support to avert the possibility of privatisation of buses. And, thus, was born Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST! (AMAB), an informal group of citizens that has set out to save a sinking institution.