The BEST Undertaking has framed a policy wherein bus drivers who don’t have enough driving experience will not be allowed to drive double-decker buses. The decision was taken in the backdrop of the double-decker mishap at Kalanagar Junction in Bandra (E) on April 6.
“Statistics in the last 10 years show there has been increase in accidents. This shows that something is amiss when it comes to training. Measures must be taken immediately to curb, if not eliminate, accidents involving BEST buses,” said Ravi Raja, BEST committee member in Opposition.
After the April 6 mishap, the BEST had decided to frame a policy to disallow drivers with inadequate experience from driving double-decker buses. This policy draft was tabled in the committee meeting on Monday.
“Only drivers with at least five years of driving experience with the BEST will be allowed to drive double-deckers. They will also receive related training. The third step is to make the driving exam stricter so that accident rates can be brought down substantially,” said Ashok Patil, chairman of BEST committee.
Meanwhile, the proposal of the BEST bus fare hike was postponed on Monday after union leader and corporator Suhas Samant said more time was needed to study how the hike would help BEST employees. The discussion will now take place on April 24 when a meeting of all the 227 corporators is scheduled.
BOX:
Year and accidents
2011-2012: 26
2010-2011: 49
2009-2010: 43
2008-2009: 50
2007-2008: 40