Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh went incognito on Saturday night to experience the city’s public transport system firsthand, boarding more than 10 BMTC buses over two hours.
His surprise inspection exposed service lapses that led to immediate disciplinary action.
The most serious incident occurred when a BMTC bus allegedly failed to stop at the Fun World bus stop despite a passenger signalling to get down. Acting on the spot, Suresh ordered the suspension of both the driver and conductor.
On another bus along the Hebbal–Nagashettyhalli route, the minister handed the conductor a Rs 100 note for tickets. Citing lack of change, the conductor allegedly asked him to get off instead of issuing tickets, giving Suresh a firsthand experience of a grievance faced daily by commuters.
The inspection extended beyond buses. After alighting at Nagashettyhalli, Suresh intervened in a dispute where an auto‑rickshaw driver demanded ₹36 despite the meter showing Rs 30.
Calling the exercise a “reality check,” the minister said surprise inspections will continue across Bengaluru to strengthen accountability, enforce discipline among transport staff, and improve passenger experience.
The undercover operation signals a tougher approach by the Karnataka government towards ensuring better standards in the city’s public transport system.
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