The Ahmedabad General Mazdoor Union (AGMU) had taken objection to the recruitment of drivers without any educational qualification and training.

AGMU Vice-President Nasir Chandmiya said: “Following newspaper reports that private buses were causing more deaths, we sent letters to the authorities objecting to the negligence on the part of the private bus operators in recruiting the drivers. In fact, AMTS records show that more deaths are caused by private bus drivers as compared to AMTS buses. We had demanded a proper training and strict check of the private drivers before their recruitment.”

AMTS Transport Chairman Pravin Patel said that following criticism by the locals and the media on private bus drivers, they have now sought a solution to the problem. “The drivers of the 100 new buses are being put through the training. Everyday, 10 bus drivers are selected for the training, which is provided by our staff,” he said.

The drivers will be explained the technical and legal aspects of driving and road management, and provided with practical training on the roads for a month.

The AMTS has recently signed two new contracts with Matangi Tours and Travels and Abr Tours and Travels.

Bhavin Patel from Matangi Travels, which is providing eight buses to AMTS, said: “We have been asked to recruit drivers with minimum SSC pass qualification and past work experience of driving buses or heavy goods vehicle. The AMTS will train them for a month.”

The old contractors dominating the private bus circuit will also be put to task.

Pravin Patel said: “They will have to again undertake training at the hands of the AMTS trainers. They will have to produce certificates of their previous training and undertake one month’s training and get a new certificate, without which they will not be allowed to drive.”