Mumbai: The recent bus accident in Kurla has brought to light serious concerns regarding the safety and maintenance standards of wet lease buses operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST).
The accident, which involved a wet lease bus su pplied by a private company, has sparked a debate over the management and upkeep of these vehicles.
While BEST officials stated that the bus was in good condition at the time of the accident, sources suggest otherwise. “The bus was not properly maintained, and the driver lacked adequate training, raising questions about the oversight and procedures in place for wet lease buses” said a BEST bus driver who don’t want to be quoted.
BEST’s union has demanded immediate action from the administration to address these issues. “The safety and maintenance of wet lease buses must be prioritized,” a union representative said. “Drivers should receive proper training, and these buses must undergo rigorous daily inspections, just like BEST-owned buses.”
BEST-owned buses are subjected to daily checks by engineers to ensure they are fit for service. However, according to sources, the same level of scrutiny is often not applied to wet lease buses. Despite claims that these buses are inspected daily, insiders allege that the process is frequently rushed or inadequate.
Additionally, it has been revealed that private contractors operating wet lease buses are deterred from declaring vehicles unfit for service due to the hefty fines imposed for non-compliance. As a result, many buses with potential fitness issues are kept in service. The union has called for stricter enforcement of maintenance procedures and a review of the wet lease model to prevent future accidents.
