BMTC Overhauls 3,000 Bus Schedules Following Spike in Accidents

Rapid Summary

• BMTC Revises Bus Schedule: The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) modified the running times of approximately 3,000 daily schedules following a series of fatal accidents involving its buses in Bengaluru.
• Reason Behind Changes: BMTC cited worsening driver fatigue caused by traffic congestion, road diversions, and poor road conditions. extending journey durations within schedules aims to reduce stress on drivers and improve passenger safety.
• Driver Concerns: An anonymous BMTC driver highlighted that many drivers are compelled to work nearly 12-hour shifts due to delays, leading to inadequate breaks and fatigue that directly impact performance and safety.
• Policy Adjustments over Time: In 2020, BMTC had replaced eight-hour shifts with extended 12-hour duty periods citing financial challenges. Drivers have protested since then for shorter hours, arguing long hours increase risks for commuters.

Indian Opinion Analysis

BMTC’s decision to revise bus schedules is an attempt to address rising concerns over commuter safety and driver fatigue amid Bengaluru’s increasingly congested traffic conditions. While extending trip durations might offer partial relief by reducing immediate pressures on staff during journeys, it fails to tackle basic challenges such as overly long working hours or inadequate breaks faced by drivers. Chronic fatigue due to extended duty periods may persist as a risk factor unless structural changes like restoring eight-hour shifts are seriously considered.

This development highlights the growing strain public transport systems face in rapidly urbanizing cities like Bengaluru-forcing authorities into reactive measures rather than systemic reforms.Ensuring sustainable working conditions for public transportation staff may have broader implications not just for their welfare but also for passenger trust in the system.

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