Transport Minister suspends BMTC crew after surprise Hebbal bus inspection
On Saturday night, Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh conducted a surprise, incognito inspection of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses, traveling through Hebbal and other parts of Bengaluru to assess public transport quality.
Wearing a face mask to avoid recognition, the minister traveled on more than 10 buses between 7:10 pm and 9:10 pm. The operation resulted in the immediate suspension of a bus driver and a conductor for failing to stop for a passenger, and highlighted several other operational lapses.
During the two-hour operation, Suresh traveled along multiple routes including Jayamahal, TV Tower, RT Nagar, CBI Road, Bellary Road, Hebbal, Bhoopasandra, Manyata Tech Park, Nagawara, Hennur, and Byrathi. He purchased tickets for every journey and interacted directly with commuters to gather feedback on BMTC services.
The inspection led to direct disciplinary action after the minister witnessed BMTC bus KA-57 F-3372 fail to stop for a waiting passenger at the Fun World bus stop. Despite the commuter signaling the vehicle to halt, the bus drove past. Suresh immediately directed transport officials to suspend the bus driver, Mustaq, and the conductor, Dayanand, for the lapse.
The minister's incognito journey also exposed other public transit challenges in the Hebbal area. While traveling a short distance by autorickshaw near Hebbal, Suresh found the driver demanding Rs 36 even though the fare meter displayed Rs 30. When questioned, the driver admitted the meter required recalibration. The minister paid Rs 40 before departing.
In another incident during the inspection, a BMTC conductor asked the minister to get off the bus because Suresh did not have the exact fare. When purchasing two tickets, the minister presented a Rs 100 note, but the conductor was unable to provide change. The conductor insisted that passengers without exact change must alight. Without revealing his identity or arguing, Suresh quietly complied and got off the bus.
