ST Bus Driver : 'Breath analyzer' mandatory for ST bus drivers

In Brief

• 'Breath analyzer' mandatory for ST bus drivers

• A driver who has consumed alcohol will not be able to start the vehicle

• 'Breath analyzers' to be installed in new ST buses

The Pune ST Corporation has made an important decision to enhance security in its bus service. 'Breath analyzers' will be installed in the corporation's new 5000 buses, which will ensure that a driver who has consumed alcohol cannot drive the bus.

Under this system, every driver will have to blow into the breath analyzer device before taking the steering wheel of the bus. If the driver has consumed alcohol, it will be immediately detected by the device, and the bus will not start. In such a situation, the driver who has consumed alcohol will be prevented from driving the bus and will be sent home immediately. The driver will not be allowed to work that day.

Officials of the ST Corporation have stated that this system will be implemented starting with brand new buses. So far, 400 new buses have been added to the corporation's fleet, and another 3000 buses will be acquired soon. A breath analyzer will be installed in all these 5000 buses.

Another part of the safety measures is that immediate action will be taken against drivers who have consumed alcohol through CCTV installed in the driver's cabin. Therefore, according to the corporation, zero tolerance for any kind of alcohol consumption will now be maintained to ensure the safety of bus passengers.

Senior officials of the ST Corporation said, “Passenger safety is our primary goal. Preventing an intoxicated driver from operating the bus and taking immediate appropriate action, the breath analyzer will prove to be an effective solution.”