Amidst the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, one glaring issue stands out like a sore thumb: the recklessness and rudeness of the drivers of Mumbai's "Best" Buses. These ubiquitous red monsters are increasingly becoming synonymous with danger on wheels, posing substantial risks to other commuters, especially pedestrians and cyclists.
Survive if You Can
The "Best" Buses, owned and operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, are meant to provide affordable and efficient public transportation. However, the reality on the streets of Mumbai tells a very different story. The drivers of these buses seem to have adopted a "survival of the fittest" mentality that makes the daily commute for many Mumbai residents an ordeal.
Traffic Rule Violators
One of the most alarming aspects of the "Best" Buses' operation is the blatant disregard for traffic rules. It's not uncommon to see these hulking vehicles weaving in and out of lanes with scant regard for signals, pedestrian crossings, or even the safety of passengers on board. The honking symphony that these drivers, seem to conduct with enthusiasm, is deafening and disturbing. Instead of signalling their intentions with patience and care, they unleash a cacophony of noise that contributes to the already unbearable sound pollution in the city.
Pedestrians Pay the Price
Pedestrians in Mumbai often play a high-stakes game of Frogger when attempting to cross the road. "Best" Buses seem to view zebra crossings as optional and continue to barrel through them as if they were nothing more than painted decorations on the asphalt. Jaywalking becomes a necessity for survival, as waiting for a "Best" Bus to halt for you is a risk that you would be wise not to take.
Cyclists Bear the Brunt
Cyclists, often considered the most vulnerable commuters on Mumbai's chaotic streets, bear the brunt of this recklessness. The drivers of "Best" Buses rarely acknowledge their presence, and the close calls between buses and cyclists are far too frequent. These cyclists navigate an obstacle course where a single mistake can result in tragedy. But it's not just the traffic violations that are concerning; it's the attitude of the bus drivers towards other road users.
Rude Drivers and Support Staff
The rudeness displayed by many "Best" Bus drivers is appalling. Encountering an arrogant bus driver who believes they own the road is an unfortunate rite of passage for many Mumbaikars. Verbal abuse, rude gestures, and a complete lack of empathy are all too common.
Questions to be Answered
Now, the answer to this critical question, "From where do these uncouth drivers acquire such monstrous egos (akin to the size of the buses they drive)" is simple - they have secured government jobs. They know they would get away even with crippling or killing someone. Yes, at the max, they would be suspended for a brief period. That is like "paid holidays". On top of that, these punks are overpaid, and that goes to their head. They get salaries at par with managers of MNCs, plus government-provided flats in Mumbai (where the rent is nearly 1/3rd of the ongoing market rate).
Their counterparts, private drivers, don't even earn half of their income and still have to secure their accommodation. Most of them can't even afford to bring their families from the native.
The Bottomline
In conclusion, authorities should chip the wings of these criminal attitude-carrying bus drivers. They should be severely and publicly punished for their offences. No support should be provided by the authorities. If they harm anyone due to their misadventures, the compensation should be taken from their salaries and pension. Also, akin to other sectors, either the bus services should be privatized or drivers should be hired on a contract basis. All existing secure job-holding drivers with complaints and accidents should be terminated with immediate effect. Let that be a lesson for other drivers to mend their ways.
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