Pune: PMPML Bus Driver Caught Operating Vehicle with One Hand, Phone in the Other
Pune: PMPML Bus Driver Caught Operating Vehicle with One Hand, Phone in the Other
Reports have emerged of bus drivers in Pune endangering passengers’ lives. Some drivers have been accused of neglect as well. A viral video depicts a ”PMPML bus driver holding a phone with one hand while driving, posing a severe risk to passengers and pedestrians alike.”
@PMPMLPune आनंद पार्क ते मनपा
— Vinit Vaidya (@hifrom_vinit) February 16, 2024
(१३३) MH 14 CW 2155 चे एवढे कुशल
चालक आहेत की फोनवर बोलता बोलता
४० प्रवाश्याना सुखरुप सेवा पुरवत आहेत.
याबद्दल माननीय @SanjayKolte_IAS @shekhardalal @PuneRTO @PuneCityPolice @PMCPune @CPPuneCity आपलं कौतुक करावे तेवढं
कमी पडेल. pic.twitter.com/d8pEwoFVd6
The video, capturing bus No. 133’s journey from ”Anand Park to Ma na pa at 9:30 am on the 16th February, gained widespread attention on social media.” A concerned passenger tweeted about the ”Driver’s phone use during the journey. The bus, with registration number MH 14 CW 2155, was subsequently fined Rs 1,000.”
Several similar cases involving PMPML drivers have come to light recently, indicating that these incidents are not isolated. The reckless actions of these drivers pose a significant threat to the lives of passengers. Some drivers remain undeterred despite actions taken against others, leading to calls for stricter measures.
Despite ongoing warnings, the issue persists, with drivers continuing to use phones while operating vehicles. Stringent regulations are needed to address this concern, similar to existing rules against tobacco consumption during work hours. Regular inspections of drivers and conductors could potentially mitigate accident rates, but the introduction of specific rules regarding mobile phone usage is now imperative.
The statistics reveal a worrying trend of a significant rise in the number of accidents involving PMPML buses. Between April and September 2022, 59 accidents resulted in eight fatalities. However, in 2023, this number doubled to 75 accidents, causing the loss of 19 lives. These accidents are mainly due to driver negligence. To ensure drivers are sober while on duty, breathalyzer tests have been introduced.
