KOCHI: Amidst conflicting claims by school authorities and private van operators regarding the safety of students, it is becoming clear that experienced drivers are in short supply to transport school children in Kochi. Drivers claim that low salary and high responsibility involved while handling vehicles filled with school children are driving away experienced drivers from the field. “For a person to qualify for the post of a school bus driver, he requires a minimum experience of 10 years in handling heavy vehicles. An experience of five years is required to drive school vans or any vehicle that carries school children,” said Joint RTO Abdul Shukur.“Currently in Kochi, the shortage of good drivers is leading to schools and private van operators opting for amateur drivers who are not equipped to handle such responsibilities,” he added.While school authorities claim that they appoint only experienced people to drive the buses, drivers point out that low salary and lack of amenities available to them while working for schools are the reasons why only amateur drivers prefer this job. “Since we earn a lot less while driving a school van or bus, most drivers prefer to drive an autorickshaw instead as it means less risk and more benefits,” said Frederick Valliaparambil, a private van operator. “The other problem with driving a vehicle full of kids is the huge responsibility. Then there is the issue of taking a day off, which is almost impossible for a school bus driver. So, most of them back out after a year or two,” he added.“Drivers who have good skill and good experience have a myriad jobs to choose from. Why would they choose something (driving school buses and vans) that would pay them less and make them work more and take high risks?” asks Joy B S, who drives a private van that carries school children.
Comments
0 comment