Mumbai: 

Painful: Instead of being easy to drive, KingLong bus drivers say driving them results in body aches. PIC/Vedika Tripathi

BEST drivers who accepted an offer to drive the new Chinese KingLong buses are regretting their decision. Their disappointment stems from the physical pain they have to endure while driving these buses apart from being overlooked by authorities.

Drivers have to endure pain in the shoulder and hands because of the difficulty in shifting gears in these buses. "It is quite painful to shift from the first gear to the second. I need to take painkillers for my shoulder," said a KingLong bus driver. "I was very happy when I was transferred from the BEST buses to the KingLong buses, but now, I want to go back to driving BEST buses," he added.

The engine of KingLong buses is on the rear side and runs on CNG. There are five gears and the first two are the most difficult to operate. "We were told that these new buses would be very easy to ride and the A/C would be good for our health. Instead, we have to go through a lot of physical pain," said another driver. "I opted to drive this bus for positive reasons, but now, I regret my decision. I start the bus directly on the second gear to avoid pain in my shoulder. Besides, we also have to open and shut the door for passengers, which is an added burden," he added. Drivers also say their problems are ignored by authorities.

However, authorities say drivers do not face any such problems to the best of their knowledge. Abdul Sattar Chand Tamboli, PRO, BEST, said, "We have not received any complaints from the drivers. If they have any problems, our management will ensure they are solved."

Bus stats

Chinese KingLong buses were inaugurated in December 2007.

Each bus costs Rs 50 lakh.

There are 20 such buses plying on the roads of Mumbai.