Pune: An alert passenger on Tuesday midnight saw the driver of their ‘e-Shivneri’ bus holding the steering in one hand and typing on his mobile phone with another. The MSRTC bus was coming from Dadar to Pune.
The driver was continuously chatting on his phone from Chandni Chowk to Swargate. Such behaviour by the driver was risky and put the passengers in danger. This also raised questions on the safety of people travelling by MSRTC buses.
Mrunal Ghole-Mapuskar, a passenger, said that she was travelling by the Shivneri bus from Dadar to Swargate. She wanted to get off at Chandni Chowk when she noticed that the driver was chatting on his mobile phone continuously while driving. She told him not to do it but he ignored her warnings.
She told him that the safety of passengers was his responsibility and he should, at least, think of his family. ‘Using mobile phones while driving can cause serious accidents,’ she told him.
Giving two hoots to the rules
MSRTC drivers and conductors cannot use mobile phones during the journey. However, this rule is often violated by them. Drivers often use mobile phones while driving. Conductors also speak on their mobile phones while issuing tickets to passengers. Is the MSRTC waiting for a tragedy to happen, asked the passengers.
“It is very dangerous to use a cell phone while driving a bus. This puts the lives of passengers in danger. This should be taken seriously. Though the driver in this incident should be warned, stern action should not be taken against him, considering his job. However, the MSRTC should issue strict instructions to all drivers and conductors to follow the rules,” said Mrunal Ghole-Mapuskar.
“MSRTC drivers and conductors have been instructed to not use mobile phones during the journey. The depot officials often remind them of this rule. If they are found using cell phones, action will be taken against them,” said Kailash Patil, Divisional Controller, Pune ST Division.
Suspension of the driver
“The driver concerned is working on an ‘e-Shivneri’ on a contract basis. A letter has been written to the contractor concerned and he has been suspended. A special squad will henceforth monitor drivers and conductors,” said Bhushan Suryavanshi, Head, Swargate Depot.
