Mumbai: MSRTC asks drivers to arrive in Mumbai for BEST duty on time

Photo for representational purpose

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has warned its drivers deputed for Mumbai duty to arrive in city on time to run buses on BEST routes.

MSRTC buses have been inducted in the BEST bus fleet on rent since September 2020 as a backup. Over the next one year, over 1,000 buses from the MSRTC are being considered to be run on BEST local routes in Mumbai. MSRTC drivers from all over Maharashtra are coming to Mumbai to run the buses and their shift changes after every 7 to 15 days. After the change in shift they go back to their respective depots.

"The delay in the arrival of drivers in the city after shift change of seven days leads to double loss for the MSRTC because hotel rooms are already booked and paid for them and due to the delay, the BEST bus route timetable is also missed leading to further loss. This is double loss for the MSRTC and will not be tolerated. The responsibility will be on the respective bus depots and drivers to ensure that they are on time to avoid this," a letter to all bus depots, a copy of which is with Mid-Day, stated.

The letter adds that buses that arrive in Mumbai should be handled for any breakdown as glitches enroute to Mumbai also delay them. "The buses need to be accompanied with adequate maintenance staff and equipment so that any repairs can be handled on the spot," it added.

MSRTC drivers said that the administration should not blame them as delays are because of scheduling issues and late communication.