'No change, get off': Karnataka transport minister's undercover bus ride takes unexpected turn; here's what happened
Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh conducted a surprise inspection on Saturday night to assess the condition of public transport services and experience the challenges faced by commuters firsthand.
Travelling incognito while wearing a mask, the minister boarded a BMTC bus from Hebbal to Nagashettyhalli. He asked for two tickets and handed the conductor a Rs 100 note. The conductor, however, asked him for change and, when the minister said he did not have any, reportedly told him to get off the bus.
The minister was not recognised by the bus driver and conductor because he was wearing a mask. After the incident, Byrathi Suresh got off the bus in silence, without revealing his identity. The conductor and the bus driver were later suspended.
Between 7.10 pm and 9.10 pm, the minister visited Jayamahal, TV Tower, RT Nagar, CBI Road, Hebbal, Manyata Tech Park, Nagavara, Hennur, Hennur Bande, Byrathi Bande and Geddalahalli.
He even took an auto-rickshaw ride from Nagashettyhalli and faced another trouble as the meter reading indicated the fare as Rs 30, but the auto driver asked for Rs 36, with the driver saying that the meter reading would be updated later. He eventually paid Rs 40 and alighted the auto.
The surprise inspection highlighted several concerns regarding commuter services and fare practices in Bengaluru's public transport system.
