Bengaluru: Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh travelled incognito on Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses on Saturday night to assess passenger services firsthand. The surprise inspection revealed lapses in commuter service, leading to swift action against transport staff.
Conductor asks minister to get off bus
During the journey, the minister boarded a BMTC bus as an ordinary passenger. While purchasing a ticket, a conductor reportedly refused to provide the correct balance and allegedly asked him to get off the bus following a disagreement over the change.
The incident highlighted concerns over passenger treatment and ticketing practices in the city’s public transport system.
Bus skips lone passenger at stop
In another incident during the inspection, the minister witnessed a BMTC bus failing to halt at a designated bus stop despite a lone passenger waiting to board.
Taking serious note of the lapse, Byrathi Suresh ordered disciplinary action against both the driver and the conductor of the bus for neglecting their duty and inconveniencing commuters.
Surprise inspection exposes service gaps
The undercover journey was aimed at understanding the everyday experiences of BMTC passengers without revealing the minister’s identity. The inspection brought to light issues related to staff behaviour, passenger service, and adherence to operational norms.
The minister is expected to review the findings and take further measures to improve accountability and commuter experience across BMTC services.