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By India Today News Desk: Do you frequently travel by Mumbai local bus? If yes, then next time, when you travel, make sure you keep your headphones handy as the transport undertaking has banned passengers from watching videos or playing songs on mobile phone speakers. Loud conversations on mobile phones are also prohibited.
From this week onwards, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) commuters will not be allowed to speak loudly on mobile phones while riding on the bus and carrying earphones will be mandatory. The latest circular issued by BEST states that measures have been taken to keep the decibel levels in check.
The decision has been taken by the city civic transport body to avoid inconvenience to co-passengers, a BEST spokesperson told PTI.
WHAT HAPPENS IF ONE VIOLATES THE RULE?
If someone fails to abide by the new rule, enforced through an internal notification on April 24, the person can face action under sections 38 and 112 of the Bombay Police Act.
“Not just the drivers and conductors, even passengers have complained about the unnecessary noise. We have taken this step to avoid any such inconvenience to fellow passengers since BEST buses are public service vehicles. Internally, we issued a notification on April 24,” an official from BEST told PTI.
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The new rule also applies to passengers travelling on BEST buses for Mumbai and neighbouring cities. The department concerned has been asked to display the notification on all the buses, the official said.
All staffers working on the BEST buses, including those of the wet-leased vehicles hired from private companies, will be made aware of this new regulation, he said.
The BEST, which has a fleet of nearly 3,400 buses, provides public transport services in Mumbai and neighbouring Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mira-Bhayander cities. More than 30 lakh passengers travel every day on the BEST buses.
(With PTI inputs)
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