Bengaluru: The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has issued a strict directive to its drivers and conductors, warning them against asking passengers to get off buses if they do not have exact change. The move comes days after Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh himself experienced such treatment during a surprise undercover inspection.
Minister’s undercover ride exposes commuter issues
On Saturday night, Suresh travelled incognito for nearly two hours across more than 10 BMTC buses, covering routes through Jayamahal, RT Nagar, Hebbal, Manyata Tech Park, Nagawara, Hennur and Byrathi Bande. Wearing a surgical mask to avoid recognition, he paid fares like an ordinary commuter and interacted with passengers about their daily travel experiences.
The most notable incident occurred on a bus travelling from Hebbal to Nagashettihalli, where the minister handed the conductor a ₹100 note for two tickets. Unable to provide change, the conductor reportedly asked him to get off the bus if he could not pay the exact fare. Without revealing his identity, Suresh complied and exited the bus.
During the inspection, he also witnessed another BMTC bus failing to stop for a waiting passenger despite being signalled. The driver and conductor involved were immediately taken off duty.
BMTC issues fresh passenger-friendly guidelines
Following the inspection, BMTC Managing Director Raghunandan Murthy directed all staff not to deny travel or ask passengers to leave buses due to the absence of exact change.
Instead, conductors have been instructed to encourage commuters to use the UPI payment option available through dynamic QR codes installed on Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) across the fleet.
BMTC has also asked divisional controllers to identify bus shelters missing from the ETM system so they can be added without delay.
Better service and accountability
The transport corporation has announced that drivers and conductors receiving repeated public complaints will undergo soft-skills training at the Vaddarahalli training centre. Employees who receive positive feedback from commuters will be honoured with certificates of appreciation from BMTC headquarters.
The initiative aims to improve passenger experience and strengthen accountability across Bengaluru’s public transport network