Exodus of trained drivers from BRTS in Ahmedabad

The BRTS corridor without any doubt offers a smooth ride but the commuters travelling in BRTS have something else to say.
Jerks and unexpected brakes during the journey make it a hell ride for the commuters as they have to stand while traveling. The commuters no longer find the BRTS ride comfortable and convenient. They are an unhappy lot now.

There are many reasons for this state of affairs. One of which is that out of 42 drivers trained in yoga, public etiquette, and behaviour, 24 have quit.

The AJL contractor has failed to stop the exodus of the drivers. Now it has roped in a local trainer to educate and sharpen new drivers' skills. They will be trained in behaviourial, language and driving skills apart from being taught yoga. "But it becomes very difficult to train 15 drivers every month. The AJL should form a contract system with the drivers," said a senior AJL official.

There are still no speed governors in the BRTS, added the AJL official saying, "Travel at your risk' should be the information running in the BRTS LED screen. Despite issuance of instructions from the AJL, the contractors have not installed the speed governors in the BRTS.

This has resulted in fatal accidents on the BRTS corridors as the drivers do not follow the speed limit set by the AJL. The speed limit set is 40km an hour. The GPS system which was to instruct the control room officials about over-speeding, has also failed.