IT cab drivers more disciplined now: Study

The study conducted by the Telangana State Cabs and Bus Operators Association (TSCBOA) reports that none of the 1,000 plus cab drivers who were trained by the Cyberabad Police last A disclaimer: This study might shock many people and even invite their criticism over the findings.

But none the less, the Telangana State Cabs and Bus Operators Association (TSCBOA) has stated that the Drivers' Training And Appraisal Programme which was launched in the city on February 7 jointly by the Cyberabad Police and IT bodies, has inculcated discipline, punctuality and respect towards the law among the cab drivers in the city.According to the study, more than 1,000 drivers who were trained in the last one month have not violated a single traffic rule in the last 50 days.

"A major change was noticed among the drivers after their participation in the training programmes. We did not get a single complaint of any kind of violation, including wrong side parking. The drivers were so inspired with the training that they are now acting in a more responsible manner,” said TSCBOA president Syed Nizamuddin.

The first training programme for drivers was held at the Cognizant Technology Services (CTS) in Gachibowli on February 7 while the second programme was held on March 20 at GE I Labs in Hitec City. Nearly 1,500 drivers, working for different cab operators attached to the IT and other companies, participated in both the training programmes.

"Initially we expected the programme to sensitise the drivers towards their responsibilities in making Hyderabad a safe city. But our findings on the impact of training programme were quite encouraging. It increased punctuality, discipline and even food and dressing habits of almost all the drivers," added Nizamuddin.

Elucidating on the impact of the training programme, Md Ateeq, a driver, said, “Earlier we were never treated as part of the system. But we were quite impressed with the speech of Cyberabad Commissioner CV Anand in our training programme. He exhorted us to act like brand ambassadors of Hyderabad. He made us realise our importance in the society.”

"I was never satisfied with my job in the past. It was just a source of livelihood for me and nothing else. But in the training programme, I was explained about the role drivers are playing in the travel and IT industry. This made me understand the role am expected to play in the society," felt Tulasi, another driver.

Drivers like Majeed and Srinivas thanked the Cyberabad Police and TSCBOA for involving them in the ongoing safety drive. "We were looked at with suspicion whenever any bad incident happened in our country. People had a very negative image about the drivers and we were the last ones to be trusted. But the speeches delivered by CV Anand and other experts during the training programme have changed the people's perception about drivers," said Srinivas.

According to Syed Nizamuddin, after the launch of training programmes, many drivers have expressed their wish to learn Spoken English so that they could have better interaction with the passengers. "The training programme is bringing about an attitude change among the drivers. We will continue the series of training programmes and drivers attached to all the IT companies in a phased manner," he said.