Chennai: In all, 351 drivers of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses have been punished for using cellphones while driving since 2014, according to an RTI copy. However, MTC officials have denied any accident by these drivers. Further, officials have warned of stern action against such practices and formed special teams to monitor the drivers. Sources said that using cellphones by MTC drivers has become rampant, instilling fear among passengers travelling on MTC buses. Sensing this, a city-based RTI activist K. Anbazhagan filed an RTI, seeking information about punishment given by MTC officials to drivers who used cellphones in the last five years. MTC officials responded saying that they had, since 2014, found 351 drivers using cell phones. “After we found such violators, we immediately suspended them temporarily and reinstated them after a few days with warnings,” the MTC replied. However, the corporation refused to share details of the names of the offenders.
The MTC also claimed that there was no accident relating to cellphone driving between 2012 and 2018 (October 1). Anbazhagan is suspicious at this. “It is a fact that I witnessed an accident near T.Nagar when the MTC driver was on his cellphone speaking to someone. I will go for an appeal,” the activist stressed. He also noted that the number of cellphone users, while driving, was on the rise and officials should conduct surprise raids to put an end to this to protect passengers.
When contacted by Deccan Chronicle, a senior MTC official said that they have formed teams to monitor such violators. Further, checking inspectors (CIs) have been instructed to keep a tab on drivers using cellphones while driving.
