We have all been very critical of the Indian bus driver, they drive at full speed wherever they are and are constantly on the horn even in built up areas. They overtake with little regard to oncoming traffic indeed often forcing it to take avoiding action. I recently made a throw away remark along the lines that part of their training must be to have their brains removed.
I have since learnt that there is more to it. The drivers are not employed by the bus companies but are casual labour. As buses are the only form of transport for millions, there are many buses: indeed most stops are serviced every few minutes. These drivers have to race between each stop to grab as many passengers as possible before the next bus arrives. The drivers are rated by the number of passengers (for maximum revenue) they collect. If the revenue decreases they drop down the ranking list and are not offered work.
Not only that but their passengers expect them to drive fast and complain if they don’t.
So the next time you hear of an Indian bus crash with many injuries or fatalities you know why. We continue to give them as much room as possible!
Richard
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