Footboard travel: NGO urges PMPML to get strict

The Pedestrians First, an organisation that takes up traffic and transport issues in the city, has criticised the PMPML for not taking steps to prevent accidents due to footboard travel in buses.

"Footboard travel is a serious issue and it has led to a number of accidents. This not only endangers life of commuters but also projects a very poor image of PMPML. We have written to PMPML several times on the subject with our suggestions to prevent it. However, steps have not been taken so far," said Prashant Inamdar, convener of Pedestrians First.

"No efforts are evident to prevent it. It is seen that ST buses and private buses with doors that could be closed did not have footboard travel issue. Even Central Urban Ministry norms specify that buses should have doors which should be closed when moving," he said.

Inamdar said new buses procured under JNNURM scheme have hydraulically operated doors controlled by the driver. But the driver closes only the front door. "We suggest that for the new buses, cautionary signboard should be put up at the rear that doors will close and the driver be instructed to close both the doors before starting the bus," he said.

For older buses without doors, Inamdar said the conductor should ensure that no passenger travels on the steps and the driver should be instructed not to start unless the above condition is fulfilled.

ALSO READ

Freeze your wedding memories in 3D video

Hate speech: Pune court asks police to book Owaisi

CCTV cameras bought for CYG ‘vanish’

Kalmadi in troubled waters, rivals ready to make a 'splash'