MTC killer run tied to crew shortage

Till September this year, 69 persons were killed in different accidents caused by the MTC and the total number of mishaps involving the same fleet is 259 in which 59 have suffered grievous injuries. In 2015, MTC buses had mowed down 99 people and injured 142 in 378 accidents. 

While the city traffic police accuse MTC drivers of rash and negligent driving, MTC officials deny the allegation, and say it is due to extended working hours and the resultant stress. Besides, punishment memos for not sticking to the schedule is another problem pointed out by some of the drivers. 

The MTC, which has a fleet of 3,500 buses, operates in three shifts. Of the 20,000 drivers, nearly 15 to 20 per cent are reserved crew, hired on a daily wage basis. At present, there is a shortage of 5,000 drivers, that is one-fifth of the total strength required to run the fleet. “The services of the reserved crew will be regularised as and when vacancies arise due to retirements,” said V Krishnamoorthy, Managing Director, MTC. 

Regarding the fatalities and mishaps, he said, “Accidents have nothing to do with the reserved crew. We have actually brought down the fatality rate.” “The absorption is done as per other ‘considerations’ and not after retirements,” M Shanmugham, general secretary of Labour Progressive Front, the biggest union in the transport sector in the state, said. “As per the requirement, we need three drivers to complete two shifts. But now three drivers are forced to do three shifts,” Shanmugham said.