“We used to have such restrictions earlier for radios and now they are here for cell phones. We received a lot of complaints from commuters about this and hence the order has been issued,” said Lokesh Chandra, General Manager, BEST. File photo
The notification states that BEST buses are public service vehicles and hence, to avoid any kind of inconvenience or trouble caused by anyone to co-passengers, action can be taken against offenders under section 38/112 of the Bombay Police Act. File Photo
“The regulation is for all passengers travelling on BEST buses. The public is required to use headphones while watching videos or listening to audio clips on their mobile devices,” a spokesperson said. Pic/Ashish Raje
Senior transport expert with Mumbai Mobility Forum and Mumbai Vikas Samiti, A V Shenoy backed the move saying the use of headphones has to be made compulsory under noise pollution rules as you cannot cause a disturbance to fellow passengers. Pic/Atul Kamble
“Regarding loud phone conversations, the mandate may be more difficult to implement as talking loudly is unfortunately ingrained in our culture and will need a cultural change,” Shenoy said. File photo
“Loud conversations on cell phones could also be controlled by putting visible signage saying it is banned, along with a warning of legal action if the rule is not followed,” Jitendra Gupta of the Citizen Transport Committee said, adding that if this is done, even the public can raise objections whenever a violation takes places. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar
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