Private buses: Killers on the loose

KOCHI: Travelling in private buses has become a risky affair these days, says the data available with the police. The number of cases registered against the private buses for rash and negligent driving underlines the fact that private  buses have become a major threat to life of Kochiites. In 2011, as many as 213 cases of bus accidents were reported in the city. The majority of these mishaps were caused by private transport buses. In the same year, the police had registered 329 cases of rash and negligent driving against the buses in Kochi. Such cases involving private buses have taken a lead over the same against KSRTC buses, that too with a considerable margin. About 280 cases of rash and negligent driving were registered against the private buses.“Speeding during heavy traffic is the major reason behind the accidents in the city. Besides, these buses also create traffic blocks. The buses occupy entire road and do not allow other vehicles to overtake them. At bus stops, these buses are stopped in the middle of the road making other vehicles wait until the bus moves ahead,” a Motor Vehicles Department official said. According to the police officials, there are many inexperienced drivers who drive with no consideration to the traffic rules. “The majority of the private buses have young drivers who engage in competitive driving. These people hardly follow traffic rules and treat the city roads as racing circuits. It has been noticed, that the experienced and aged drivers take care of rules and regulations. Also, KSRTC drivers are seen to be more patient and are less involved in accidents” a police official said.Meanwhile, Private Bus Owners Association (PBOA) members blames the authorities. “Rather than issuing fresh permits, the government should ensure proper infrastructure for the buses to run smoothly. The roads are not wide enough for two buses to move at the same time. With the coming of Metro Rail, width of the road will be further reduced making it more prone to accidents and traffic congestion,” a PBOA official said.