BMTC crackdown on ticketless travel: Rs 7 lakhs collected in penalties

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In December 2023, the Checking staff of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) heightened their efforts to curb ticketless travel by passengers in and around the city.

A total of 16,785 bus trips were scrutinised during this period, resulting in the identification and penalisation of 3,502 ticketless passengers.

The imposed penalties amounted to Rs.7,02,340, with additional cases booked against conductors for neglecting their duties.

Notably, the Checking staff acted against 347 male passengers occupying seats exclusively reserved for ladies, imposing fines totalling Rs.34,700.

This was done by KMV Rules 94 and section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. Overall, December 2023 saw 3,849 passengers penalised, with a penalty collection of Rs.7,37,040.

The BMTC urges passengers to purchase tickets or passes to avoid penalties and contribute to better services for all commuters.

Additionally, a reminder is issued to respect reserved seats for female passengers. Compliance with these guidelines will prevent inconvenience and embarrassment and support the BMTC.