Pramesh S Jain
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has suspended a driver-cum-conductor after Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh allegedly faced rude behaviour during a surprise inspection while travelling on a BMTC bus on July 11.
According to BMTC,the minister boarded Route No. 279E (Kempegowda Bus Station–Nagashettihalli) from Hebbal Bus Station at around 9.30 pm and requested a ticket to Bhoopasandra after handing over the fare.
The driver-cum-conductor,identified as Ramakrishna T.G. (Badge No. 8003),reportedly told him he had no change and asked him to either pay the exact fare of Rs.6 or get down from the bus.
Even after the minister said he did not have change,the staff member allegedly behaved in a rude and discourteous manner.
BMTC said it viewed the incident seriously,noting that the employee failed to inform the passenger about the corporation’s UPI-based ticket payment facility,which has been in place since 2024 and now accounts for nearly 53% of BMTC’s ticket revenue.
The corporation also said the incident led to adverse publicity on television channels and social media.
Pending a departmental inquiry,the driver-cum-conductor has been placed under suspension with effect from July 13,2026.
During the surprise ride,the minister also observed that the bus failed to stop for a passenger who had signalled to board near Fun World on Jayamahal Road.
Acting on his directions,BMTC has operationalised an official bus stop near Fun World with effect from July 13.
BMTC said it has already issued fresh instructions to all drivers and conductors to ensure courteous, passenger-friendly service and warned that any deficiency in service or misconduct towards passengers will invite strict disciplinary action.
