BEST general manager says bus drivers involved in mishaps in Mumbai may be temporarily assigned alternative duties | Mumbai News
Mumbai: BEST bus drivers involved in accidents could be temporarily assigned alternative duties as a sensitisation measure to reinforce passenger safety awareness and accountability, undertaking’s general manager Sonia Sethi instructed the personnel department following the Dec 29 Bhandup mishap, where an AC electric bus rammed into pedestrains, killing four and injuring 10. Sethi’s directives apply to all electric bus drivers, including BEST on-roll and wet-lease operator drivers, who also have to undergo mandatory refresher and skill-upgrade training with immediate effect. The training focuses on defensive driving, safe handling of EV buses, speed regulation, braking behaviour, and overall road safety practices, an official said.BEST also undertook a comprehensive review of driver service records. Drivers with a history of default, repeated violations, or prior suspension were to be withdrawn from active driving duties forthwith and not deployed until further review and clearance as per norms.“A mobile driver training vehicle will be integrated into the training programme to cover all 27 BEST depots, to ensure uniform dissemination of safety practices and on-site sensitisation of drivers,” the official said.Officials said supervisors will conduct structured counselling sessions, with clear instructions on standard operating procedures. Drivers were directed to halt properly at designated stops and wait until the last passenger boarded safely before moving. An official said that passenger safety and pedestrian safety come before schedule pressure.Alongside operational checks, the counselling programme will also address driver wellbeing. Every driver will receive guidance, and any psychological or stress-related issues flagged during interactions will be handled through appropriate support.However, the safety push comes amid continuing operational strain. BEST’s own bus fleet dropped to 249, while wet-lease buses stand at 2,495. Driver shortage remains a challenge, with some contractual buses now being operated by full-time BEST drivers. In the Bhandup incident, the driver was provided by BEST to a private contractor operating the midi bus involved in the mishap.
