The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has taken strict action against negligence by public transport drivers by suspending 13 drivers of AMTS and BRTS buses with immediate effect for violating traffic rules, misbehaving with passengers and causing accidents.

The action comes as part of the civic body's efforts to ensure safer and more reliable public transport services for commuters.

Surprise inspections reveal multiple violations

Senior officials of AMTS and BRTS conducted surprise inspections of buses operating across the city. During the checks, several drivers were found violating traffic regulations, failing to stop buses at designated bus stops and behaving inappropriately with passengers.

Following the inspections, the authorities suspended 10 AMTS drivers and three BRTS drivers with immediate effect for serious violations and negligence.

AMC adopts zero-tolerance approach

Complaints of rash and negligent driving by AMTS and BRTS drivers have been increasing in Ahmedabad in recent months. In a recent incident, an AMTS driver was caught allegedly driving a bus under the influence of alcohol, raising concerns about passenger safety.

Citing repeated complaints, the civic body has now adopted a stricter approach against errant drivers.

Action follows alleged drunk driving incident

The latest crackdown comes after an AMTS bus driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, met with an accident late on Tuesday night after taking the wrong route near Ellis Bridge.

The bus, travelling from Salangpur towards Ellis Bridge, failed to head onto the bridge and instead continued along the Sabarmati Riverfront Road, where it crashed into a divider beneath the bridge.