BMTC will hire retired cops to man bus stops

BMTC will hire retired cops to man bus stops
Move To Improve Image In Wake Of Rise In Accidents
Amit S Upadhye | TNN

Bangalore: Policing at 60? Well, that’s the BMTC way. With the increasing traffic and commuter problems plaguing the transport corporation, the BMTC has decided to hire retired police officials.
This move comes in the wake of increasing accidents and complaints against the public sector city bus operator. The idea is to regulate bus and commuters’ movement at the bus stops. About 100 retired policemen will be exclusively hired to man the bus stops and help in reducing the traffic congestion, P Sandhu, director vigilance, BMTC explained.
The novel policing will include guiding the buses to their designated parking space, ensuring that the male commuters get inside the bus from the rear door, driving away the autorickshaws and cabs who park in the bus stop space.
“By having retired policemen, we can not only regulate the traffic, but also also ensure that the bus stop area is free from other vehicles. This will help in the smooth flow of traffic,’’ Sandhu told The Times of India.
According to chief security and vigilance officer S K Bellatti, the recruitment will be taken up under four categories. The retired PSIs, ASIs, head constables and constables can apply for the new job.
“We are yet to finalise the mode of work, timings and bus stops for the newcomers. The BMTC has already appointed the retired policemen for line checking activities. A PSI level retired officer takes home about Rs 8,500 per month which is as good as that of any other BMTC line checking officer,’’ the official added.
In Bangalore, the traffic department had identified 350 major bus stops. In the last one year, the BMTC reach has expanded and more number of bus stops have been added to the list.
“Many of the bus stops in Bangalore do not serve the purpose. Unruly driving by some of the BMTC drivers throws an entire stretch of traffic out of gear. Since most of the major bus stands are situated on the main roads, the new recruitment might help the police in traffic management. Moreover, the BBMP has proposed more number of bus bays in city, which will also ease the congestions near bus stops,’’ said traffic police officials.
Bus Buzz
BMTC will hire 100 retired policemen to man major bus stops
They will work from 7 am to 10.30 am and 5 pm to 8 pm. At some of the major bus stops, two officers will be appointed
‘BMTC cops’ will ensure that buses stop at designated parking space and there is no disturbance from other vehicles
Recruitment will be made through advertisements