BENGALURU: Bangalore Metropoliton Transport Corporation’s (BMTC) buses have a reputation of being a menace to road users. This is due to the numerous accidents the buses have been involved in and allegations that BMTC personnel blatantly violate traffic rules.
However, while BMTC’s reputation has continued to take a beating due to accidents and other cases, the number of accidents have actually seen a decrease over the years. On the other hand, cases lodged against BMTC buses for various other traffic violations in 2015 have almost doubled compared to last year.
Rise in Number of Cases
The number of cases lodged against BMTC personnel for rash driving and others, has doubled in the last two years. Authorities believe that booking drivers who ignore traffic rules, have resulted in drivers being more careful about violating them.
According to Bengaluru Traffic Police, 48,600 cases has been registered against BMTC drivers till the first week of November this year. BMTC runs a fleet of 6,775 buses. Rash driving constituted a majority of the offences and notices have been sent to respective depots.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) S Girish said the cases lodged against BMTC drivers will help in reducing the violations by them. “The cases are related to rash driving, wrong parking, obstruction to other vehicles and others. Over a period of time, the drive of lodging complaints will bear fruit,” he said.
Many people have complained against BMTC drivers after which traffic police starting filing cases. However, 80 per cent of the drivers abide by the rules, the DCP said.
Considering these issues, both BMTC and traffic police are conducting workshops for drivers, which is bearing fruit, he added.