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Kolkata: The Kolkata Traffic Police are mulling making the bus drivers directly responsible for traffic violations, with cops stating that 29 deaths so far this year on Kolkata’s roads have been caused by buses. Studies by Kolkata Traffic Police have found that nearly 28% of bus accidents in Kolkata—affecting over 261 victims—occur when passengers board or alight from moving vehicles or at abrupt mid-road stops, traffic data revealed. When we have even 40 buses on one route, at least seven to eight buses are not operating each day for want of staff.
“While most accidents happen due to multiple causes and not due to drivers, there is a problem with trained drivers.
There will be two sets of parameters that might lead to seeking temporary suspension of permits, according to senior police officers at Lalbazar. The other will deal with bus owners not getting verified or major mechanical errors like using resoled tyres beyond its legally permitted time frame or driving with broken dippers,” said a senior police officer. We have raised this issue at meetings with Kolkata Police this time,” said a bus operator.
Officials attribute the negligent driving primarily to the commercial commission system, which prompts drivers and conductors to race rival buses to maximise daily passenger earnings. The systemic hazard is further compounded by habitual offenders, with several rogue buses continuing operations despite accumulating dozens of pending traffic challans and past violation records. “One will deal with traffic violations by driver like speeding, extreme lane violations and driving on pavement. The police, though, will not be merely prosecuting buses on the roads. “We are recording the movement of buses through CCTV cameras. Any illegal overtaking, speeding or racing will be recorded and the numbers will be noted down. When we match the bus driver to the bus, we will add the violation in the name of the driver and not the bus. This will help us identify the good and the bad drivers,” he added. Not too many drivers are interested in driving buses with most driving app cabs or autos as the returns are higher. Some are taking agricultural work. We had people from other states too coming here in this trade. Now, it’s almost nil. Even govt drivers are being taken away from our pool. The state must take responsibility. This year, private buses too will not solely be used for police duties during puja. If they are used, payment will have to be made at three times the usual rate, claimed union leaders.