Despite Transport Minister’s surprise checks, commuters say BMTC bus service issues persist

Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh conducted surprise checks of BMTC buses in July 2026. | Photo Credit: File photo 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.”Kishore B.H., resident of Bilekahalli who regularly travels on airport bus route KIA-14, said that most buses fail to stop even when passengers signal to board them. “Even after signalling to the driver, most airport buses do not stop at the designated spot. Instead, they stop in the middle of the road, forcing passengers to board amid moving traffic. This puts the lives of commuters at risk. When we question the drivers and conductors, they respond rudely. Despite repeatedly complaining to BMTC, we have not seen any improvement. The behaviour of some staff members has deteriorated in recent years.”In July 2026, the transport Minister conducted an undercover inspection of BMTC services, travelling incognito while wearing a face mask on more than 10 bus routes across Bengaluru, including areas such as Hebbal, Manyata Tech Park, and Hennur. During the checks, Mr. Suresh directed officials to initiate disciplinary action, including suspension where warranted, against crew members found refusing passengers, skipping designated stops, or behaving rudely.Mohan Prasad, commuter from Shanthinagar, said that such inspections should be conducted regularly to ensure accountability among BMTC staff.“The Minister must conduct surprise inspections regularly, rather than limiting them to a one-time exercise. If drivers and conductors know that the Minister or senior officials could travel on their buses at any time, they are more likely to follow the rules. Inspections conducted for media attention will serve little purpose unless they are followed by continuous monitoring, strict action against erring staff, and visible improvements in daily bus services,” he added.Meanwhile, a senior BMTC official said that the corporation transports around 45 lakh passengers daily and operates across an extensive network, making consistent service monitoring essential. “BMTC carries around 45 lakh passengers every day and covers approximately 16,000 kilometres in its extensive operations. Such incidents are unfortunate and bring a bad name to the corporation. We regularly advise our crew members and ensure that commuter complaints are addressed appropriately and on time,” the official said.The official added that BMTC was training its crew members to improve passenger service and behaviour. Published - October 10, 2026 08:08 pm IST