The development comes following a report in DNA that the Bus Rapid Transit System was turning into a nightmarish experience for commuters because of rash driving and exodus of specially trained drivers.
Finally, the Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited (AJL) has woken up to the issue of passengers' safety. The AJL contractor has begun a system to provide its drivers with incentives and increments.
The development comes following a report in DNA that the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) was turning into a nightmarish experience for commuters because of rash driving and exodus of specially trained drivers.
Chartered Logistics is the contractor for the service.
As per the newly introduced system for BRTS drivers, an incentive of Rs 500 each will be given to drivers who maintain a no-accident and no break-down record every month.
The AJL officials believe that the move will create healthy competition among drivers and encourage them to drive safely.
Moreover, to reduce higher attrition rate among drivers, the contractor has also planned to introduce increments for them.
"Usually, trained drivers quit job as they get a higher pay somewhere else. So, we decided that drivers who complete one year of service with AJL will be given 7% to 8% increment every year," said Pankaj Gandhi of Chartered Logistics. Of the initial 42 trained drivers, around 80% quit service within five months of BRTS' operations.
Gandhi also said that they are making efforts to ensure that the standards set for BRTS are maintained. On its part, the AJL will also penalise the contractor and reduce the amount due to them if the bus breaks down or meets with an accident. "We have roped in two people to conduct surprise checks on the BRTS. Their duty is to travel in BRTS on different routes and submit a report every evening on driving skills, bus docking and cleanliness among others," Gandhi said.
According to him, this has also helped the company identify drivers who need to polish their skills. On AJL's insistence, the contractor will also start yoga and public behaviour classes for the drivers.
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