Transport Minister orders revocation of suspended BMTC conductor, warns against harassing passengers over change

Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh has ordered the revocation of the suspension of a BMTC conductor who had asked him to get off a bus over the issue of exact change, while directing all transport corporations to ensure passengers are not harassed under the pretext of a shortage of coins.

On Wednesday, the Minister issued the directions to drivers and conductors of all State-run transport corporations, including the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), stating that exploiting or inconveniencing passengers because of a lack of change is unacceptable.

Referring to recent complaints from commuters, Mr. Suresh said, “Several passengers had alleged that conductors were forcing them to alight from buses citing the non-availability of change. I had personally experienced a similar incident during a surprise inspection on July 11.”