BEST took action against 4,871 drivers In 2011

The BrihanMumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has taken action against more than 4,800 errant drivers last year. Most of these cases involved breaking traffic rules and plying buses at high speeds.

The BrihanMumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has taken action against more than 4,800 errant drivers last year. Most of these cases involved breaking traffic rules and plying buses at high speeds.

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According to the BEST administration, it took action against 4,874 drivers in 2011. Every month, an average of 400 drivers face action for violating traffic rules. At least 20 drivers were punished for speeding, said the BEST release.

BEST also claimed that the number of fatal accidents came down last year. There were 26 fatal accidents last year involving BEST buses as compared to 49 in 2010. In the year 2007, 2008 and 2009, the number of fatal accidents was 40, 50 and 43 respectively.

Drivers involved in fatal accidents are immediately suspended from the service, the BEST release said.

Those found guilty in departmental probes also face termination. Even actions such as termination, suspension and stopping increment are taken is some cases, the release claimed.

All the BEST drivers are given proper training at the time of joining. and are taught about traffic rules and passenger safety, the BEST release added.