I boarded ac min-bus from Goregoan(East) Bus No 447 at around 13.35 on 4.2.21. The Driver of Bus bearing badge No 193349 has kept the Bus A/c Off . On my pointing out he grudgingly started the AC. And ordered me to go and occupy a back seat. I replied that he has no business to tell be where to sit, I am occupying a separate seat . But he started shouting that in in Rs 6/- you want AC. Then I asked him why did he switch off the AC in the AC bus, then he replied the AC would only be on when BUS is moving. He kept on shouting, I warned him that I would complaint, but he was not stopping. He also threatened me that he would de-board me from the bus as I am not changing my seat.
The issues are following
1. These buses are contract with BEST including driver & Fuel, the bus owner have instructed the drivers not to operate the AC to save fuel, there is no mechanism or nobody in BEST checks whether AC is kept on in BUS or not.
2. Most Buses take excuse that their AC is not functional, but BEST puts them in service which is not correct.
3. As a Tax payer and Sr. Citizen I as told by the driver that I have no right to ask for AC because I am paying Rs 6/- for the ride. How come such an arrogance can come in the driver of the BUS.
4. I would like to know is BEST doing favor to us by providing AC buses at Rs 6/- and we as beggars have no right to have disciplined respectful drivers who should do their job instead of telling what a customer’s worth for BEST.
Strict action should be taken against the driver, if such things continue, BEST would harass travelers as a part of their culture.
