From starting mandatory breathalyser tests for drivers before and after their shifts to simulator-based training programmes, particularly for automatic electric vehicles, BEST is planning to introduce a slew of measures to enhance safety and training for its drivers in the wake of the bus accident in Kurla that killed seven and injured 42 others.
A dual training system has been proposed where contractors will train drivers at depots using the latest buses, followed by secondary training conducted by BEST at its Dindoshi training centre.
BEST held a meeting with six contractors on Wednesday to streamline training programmes for drivers. The duration of training will be finalised by next week. To impart thorough training, BEST will procure two electric AC buses with automatic transmission specifically for training purposes.
The driver involved in the Kurla accident, Sanjay More, admitted to police that he lacked sufficient experience with automatic transmission buses, having operated conventional vehicles in the past. This has led to calls for comprehensive training for all drivers, particularly those employed by private contractors.
Ramesh Madavi, BEST’s Chief Manager (Traffic), said, “We have formed a committee to work on corrective and preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future. BEST will issue detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for drivers employed under the wet-lease model.”
BEST is also examining ways to assess drivers’ skills, health, and mental well-being, factors that could impact their performance.
The wet-lease model has faced criticism from unions and activists, who argue that it compromises safety and oversight. The number of accidents involving wet-lease buses has risen with 247 accidents reported in the past three years. The accidents involving BEST-owned buses have declined, largely due to a shrinking fleet.
Over the past five years, BEST has scrapped 2,160 buses and acquired only 37 new ones. Currently, 1,061 BEST-owned buses operate alongside 2,126 wet-leased buses, a shift unions describe as “privatisation.”
Suhas Samant, leader of the BEST Workers’ Union, expressed concerns about the privatisation trend. “Since privatisation, such accidents have become frequent. Private buses are deployed without proper checks, and their drivers often lack training. Low salaries force them to take additional jobs, leading to fatigue. To ensure safe and reliable service, privatisation must be reconsidered,” he said.
Unions are urging BEST to prioritise rebuilding its fleet and improving working conditions for its employees. They argue that higher salaries and better benefits would attract experienced drivers, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing passenger safety.
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