Despite Transport Minister’s surprise checks, commuters say BMTC bus service issues persist
Commuters in Bengaluru report that BMTC bus services remain unreliable despite recent surprise inspections by the Transport Minister. While digital payment options have improved, issues like buses skipping stops and rude staff behavior persist.
Why it matters
This reflects the ongoing challenges of urban public transport management and the gap between government oversight and service delivery.
Despite Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh’s surprise inspection of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses in July 2026, commuters say several issues affecting the service continue, including buses skipping designated stops, rude behaviour by drivers and conductors, and difficulties faced by passengers while boarding buses.
However, commuters acknowledge that the introduction of digital payment options, including QR code-based payments and National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) payments, has helped reduce problems related to change.
Pavan Kumar, a regular BMTC commuter in Peenya, said that buses frequently fail to stop at designated bus stops. “Even when passengers are waiting, buses sometimes pass without stopping, leaving us stranded. This is particularly frustrating for daily commuters who depend on public transport to reach their workplaces on time. The authorities need to ensure that buses stop where they are supposed to.”
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