The introduction of Korean company Daewoo along with its manufactured buses and their operational systems in Pakistan brought relief to many commuters who sought value for their money. However, a disappointing incident occurred on June 11, 2023, involving a Daewoo bus with the registration number LES – 5444, during my journey from Swat to Rawalpindi. The incident involved a violation of explicit public notices displayed by Motorway Police at toll plazas across Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of lane discipline to prevent traffic congestion and inconvenience to other motorists.
To my surprise, this particular Daewoo bus not only lacked the required Mtag sticker but also had a driver who seemed unaware of the management’s mistake. This lack of awareness resulted in an accident as the bus attempted to exit the Swat Expressway in the wrong lane designated for Mtag vehicles.
Fortunately, the toll booth attendant showed leniency to the driver, preventing any immediate penalties. This leniency could possibly be attributed to the fact that the stretch in question is operated by the provincial authorities of KP. Nevertheless, it was disheartening to witness the irresponsibility of Daewoo’s management in failing to comply with the Motorway Police rules, which have been strictly enforced across all motorway networks since June 5, 2023.
One can only hope that the Motorway Police brings this incident to the attention of the Lahore-based management of Daewoo, issuing a stern warning to ensure that international standards are maintained in their operations. Despite the management being Pakistani, Daewoo would never want its reputation tarnished, unless the service is renamed as “F-16 Bus Service ,” used by fleets of ordinary out – dated fleet of buses plying on our roads named after the American state-of-the-art aircraft to satisfy their false sense of ego, portraying themselves to be the best on the roads when they remain the worst with colorful artwork adorning their bodies behind which its ugliness hides.
One can hope that Daewoo does not follow the suit and better not lower its operational standards like them to hide its own inefficiency under the Daewoo brand image . It is crucial that Daewoo upholds both its reputation and operational standards rather than being associated with negative aspects such as poorly maintained buses.
Overall, this incident highlights the violation of lane discipline by a Daewoo bus, raising concerns about the company’s disregard for regulations. It is imperative for service providers to prioritize safety, adhere to regulations, and ensure a comfortable experience for passengers. By addressing such incidents, it is possible to encourage improvements and hold companies accountable for maintaining high standards in their operations.