By mandating breathalyser tests for MTC bus drivers, the corporation is taking a significant step toward making public transportation safer for everyone. This initiative will help reduce accidents, protect passengers, and improve the overall reliability of MTC services.
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation Chennai (MTC) has mandated breathalyser tests for MTC bus drivers before every shift.
This new initiative aims to reduce alcohol-related accidents and ensure that bus drivers are sober while operating government buses. With this measure, MTC is prioritizing both the safety of commuters and the well-being of drivers.
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A Crucial Step for Public & Driver Safety
Alcohol-related accidents have been a growing concern in the public transport sector, particularly for government buses. The new policy mandating breathalyser tests for MTC bus drivers before their morning and afternoon shifts seeks to eliminate this risk.
With thousands of passengers relying on MTC buses every day, this routine testing will help prevent incidents caused by alcohol consumption, thereby promoting safer travel for everyone on the road.
This initiative is a proactive measure, similar to the safety protocols followed by airline pilots, where sobriety checks are routine.
The MTC aims to make these tests an everyday part of operations to ensure that all drivers are fit to safely perform their duties.
Moreover, when accidents involving government buses occur, the aftermath can be financially and legally complicated.
Often, if a driver tests positive for alcohol, even in cases where the accident was not their fault, they may face negligence charges.
These charges can lead to expensive compensation claims, sometimes amounting to several lakhs. By implementing breathalyser tests for MTC bus drivers, MTC aims to minimize these risks by ensuring that drivers are not impaired by alcohol when accidents occur.
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The Statistics Behind the Move
In the 2022-23 period, there were 906 accidents involving government buses, resulting in 1,000 fatalities. In 2023-24, the numbers slightly improved, with 878 accidents and 971 fatalities.
While this reduction is encouraging, MTC authorities believe that the mandatory breathalyser tests for MTC bus drivers will further lower these statistics by preventing alcohol-related impairments before they can lead to tragic consequences.
How Breathalyser Tests for MTC Bus Drivers Work
The breathalyser tests are designed to measure a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC). The permissible limit is 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
However, MTC officials have stated that even if a driver’s BAC is found to be between 10-15 mg, they will not be allowed to start their shift.
“Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a driver’s ability to operate a bus safely, making these tests an essential part of ensuring public safety,” an MTC official was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
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Extending Breathalyser Tests Across Other Transport Corporations
Following MTC’s lead, other transport organizations such as the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) and Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) have also adopted breathalyser tests for their drivers. With over 330 breathalyser devices distributed across various divisions, these measures ensure that safety remains a top priority in public transport.