Maharashtra: MSRTC bus drivers will now have to hand over their mobile to the conductor before driving

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation has decided to disallow mobile phones to ST drivers to make travel safer for passengers. Now the bus driver will have to hand over his mobile phone to the conductor before taking over the steering wheel to drive. The MSRTC’s decision will now be applied to leased vehicles as well as self-owned vehicles.

This will be applicable for all categories of MSRTC buses including Sleeper, Shivneri, Shivai, e-Shivneri, Ashwamedh, Hirkani, Sheetal in the state. It has been implemented from Monday, November 20. Action will also be taken against ST drivers who do not follow this decision of MSRTC.

The corporation has also completely banned the use of other technologies including Bluetooth, earbuds, headphones and mobile phones. Talking on mobile phones, watching videos, playing songs while driving ST bus can disturb the driver's concentration. Therefore, this decision has been taken in accordance with security. Several videos have revealed that ST drivers often use mobile phones while driving the bus. The corporation has said that this decision has been taken for the safety of the passengers.