In last one year, AMTS buses have been involved in more than 440 accidents in the city and majority of the accidents have been caused by private-owned buses.
In last one year, AMTS buses have been involved in more than 440 minor and major accidents in the city and majority of the accidents have been caused by private-owned buses. One of the reasons may be the inexperienced drivers who have not been given proper training.
AMTS has prepared clear guidelines for recruiting drivers and has been following it strictly. However, when it comes to private buses, no such rule is applicable.
According to AMTS rules, a person who has passed SSC, has licence for driving heavy passenger vehicles for more than five years and is at least five feet four inches tall can only apply for the post of a driver. But, for private operators, anyone with a driving licence can become a driver.
An AMTS official said the transport body had not mentioned rules and regulations in tendering process. According to the terms and conditions of tenders invited from private operators, they were asked to provide a driver with their bus.
“The salary of the drivers roped in by the private bus operators is far less than what an AMTS driver gets,” the official said. This could be one of the reasons why experienced and well-trained drivers do not prefer to work for private operators or quit jobs in a short period, he said, raising question about the whole process of granting a licence.
When contacted, AMTS chairman Pravin Patel said that for 100 buses hired from private operators, AMTS has made it mandatory that driver has passed SSC and have experience of three years after obtaining heavy motor vehicle licence. However, there is no such compulsion for old operators, he added.
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