Commuters faced great trouble on Tuesday when they found the city roads sans BEST buses. The drivers and conductors went on flash strike to protest against the new computerized scheduling system.

 

The city was virtually paralyzed since early morning; it affected office-goers and even schoolchildren who had exams today.The buses were lying idle at 25 depots across the city and only 16 workers had reported to duty in the morning.

 

Commuters were found stranded at many parts of the city and many had to opt for autos for travel. There were also complaints of refusals by autos at many places. According to official sources, 40% of the staffers had accepted the new scheduling system on Monday and even filled up forms. However, in order to compel the BEST management few unions resorted to flash strike tactics.

 

The unions are opposed to the 12 to 13-hour work schedule for 20% staffers and want the earlier manual system of scheduling to continue.

 

BEST general manager Om Prakash Gupta informed that the new scheduling system will optimize the use of workforce, ensure better frequency of buses and save Rs 32 crore for the undertaking annually.