Dial to complain against smoking in BEST buses

If you see anyone smoking in the bus, you can dial a helpline number 1800-227-550 and register a complaint.

If you see anyone smoking in the bus, you can dial a helpline number 1800-227-550 and register a complaint.

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The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has tied up with the ‘Smoke-free Mumbai campaign’ started by group of doctors from the Tata Memorial Hospital.

Stickers will be pasted in all the BEST buses and anti-smoking messages will be flashed on the screen inside every bus.

“The campaign aims to spread awareness among commuters about the smoking rules. BEST will run the campaign permanently,” said Sanjay Potnis, BEST committee chairman at the launch of a campaign on Friday.

The sticker will give information about the law on smoking ban in public places and a fine of Rs300 will be levied on those caught smoking.

The ill effects of tobacco addiction will also be displayed.

“Stickers in public transport buses will give a push to the Smoke-Free Mumbai campaign. We are targeting not only the commuters, but also the BEST employees,” said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, co-chairman of the Smoke Free Mumbai campaign.

It was alleged that BEST is displaying advertisements promoting tobacco brands and liquor inside the buses but according to BEST such advertisements are illegal and they will take action against such companies.

“In 2007, we had taken action against one liquor company and recently have sent a letter to bright advertising that remove all the tobacco advertisements if they are displayed inside the buses,” said Potnis.

Under the campaign, the doctors from Tata Memorial Hospital will be conducting workshops and lectures for all the employees of BEST in all 25 depots, as there is a rise in tobacco consumption by bus drivers and conductors.

“We are aiming for a smoke-free BEST and I hope we achieve it,” said Potnis.