BMTC Suspends Conductor After Incident During Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh Reality Check
A BMTC conductor has been suspended after asking Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh to leave the bus despite digital payment availability raising concerns over passenger service and staff conduct standards
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation has suspended a bus conductor after an incident involving Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh during a surprise inspection. The action came after the staff member allegedly asked the minister to get off the bus over a change related ticket payment issue without informing him about the available digital payment option.
The incident took place on the night of July 11 when Byrathi Suresh boarded a BMTC bus traveling from Hebbal to Bhoopasandra while dressed like a regular commuter. As part of the unannounced reality check, the minister wanted to experience the public transport system from the perspective of an ordinary passenger.
According to reports, the minister handed over money to purchase a ticket. The driver who was also serving as the conductor asked him to provide exact change. When the minister said he did not have smaller currency, the conductor reportedly told him to get off the bus if he could not provide the required change. The staff member involved in the incident has been identified as Ramakrishna TG.
BMTC later stated that the conductor failed to guide the passenger about the UPI based digital payment facility already available across its buses. The corporation noted that digital ticket payments have been operational since 2024 and currently account for more than half of its total ticket revenue. Officials said staff members are expected to inform passengers about this option whenever required.
The transport corporation also observed that the incident attracted widespread attention on news platforms and social media, leading to negative publicity. Considering the seriousness of the matter, BMTC placed the conductor under suspension while a departmental inquiry is conducted to examine the incident in detail.
The minister’s inspection also highlighted another issue related to passenger convenience. During the journey, a commuter reportedly signaled the bus to stop near Fun World on Jayamahal Road, but the bus continued without halting. After noticing the problem, the minister directed officials to review the location.
Following the inspection, BMTC announced that an official bus stop near Fun World has now been approved and brought into operation to improve accessibility for passengers. The corporation said the decision was taken to make public transport more convenient for daily commuters.
The incident has once again drawn attention to customer service standards in public transport. Officials have indicated that employees are expected to assist passengers professionally, especially when modern payment options are available, while the ongoing inquiry will determine any further action in the case.
