Hyderabad: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) has banned bus drivers from using cellphones during duty hours at 11 depots across the state.
RTC bans cellphones at 11 key depots
The ban started on Monday at depots in Farooqnagar, Kukatpally, Kollapur, Sangareddy, Miryalaguda, Vikarabad, Utnoor, Jagtial, Khammam, Kamareddy, and Parakala. These are located in districts including Hyderabad, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Nalgonda, Rangareddy, Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Nizamabad, and Warangal.
RTC has instructed drivers to switch off their phones before reporting to duty. They must hand over the devices to the depot’s security officer and can reclaim them only after their shift ends. Officials said the move aims to improve road safety and reduce distractions. They may extend the rule to other depots depending on its success.
Drivers slam ban, demand TIM repairs
Drivers have criticised the decision. They want the management to fix the malfunctioning ticket-issuing machines (TIMs) instead. These machines have caused frequent service delays and operational issues, according to drivers. They believe taking away phones does not solve the real problems on the ground.
