Outdated schedules and substance abuse blamed as pvt buses return to rash ways

RASH and negligent driving by private buses on city roads is back in focus, following a rise in the number of life-threatening accidents. On October 30, a 52-year-old woman died when the private bus she was traveling in collided with a truck near Vallathol Junction, along the Seaport-Airport road, in Thrikkakara.

- MANISHA V C S @Kochi

RASH and negligent driving by private buses on city roads is back in focus, following a rise in the number of life-threatening accidents. On October 30, a 52-year-old woman died when the private bus she was traveling in collided with a truck near Vallathol Junction, along the Seaport-Airport road, in Thrikkakara. This followed another serious accident on October 7, when a speeding bus collided with an ambulance, seriously injuring several passengers and a patient being taken home after treatment.

According to city police, there have been 191 accidents involving private buses till October 31 this year. Despite stringent action by authorities, commuters and pedestrians are concerned about private buses continuing to flout safety regulations. From antiquated time schedules to competition for passengers, the reasons for the chaos on the roads vary.