Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh conducted surprise inspections of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus services by travelling like a regular passenger to understand commuter experiences and assess the functioning of the transport system. The inspection aimed to review passenger facilities, staff behaviour, and challenges faced by both commuters and transport employees.

Sharing details of the exercise on social media platform X, Suresh said he travelled on BMTC buses across Bengaluru to evaluate public transport services firsthand. He stated that ensuring safe, reliable, and accountable public transport remained a priority for the department and that such inspections would help identify areas requiring improvement.

During the inspection, the minister reportedly encountered a situation that highlighted everyday challenges faced by passengers. According to reports, Suresh boarded a BMTC bus from Hebbal and travelled towards Nagashettihalli. When the conductor approached him for the ticket, the minister offered a Rs 100 note, but the conductor informed him that he did not have sufficient change.

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The conductor reportedly asked the passenger to provide the exact fare and later suggested making payment through Unified Payments Interface (UPI). When Suresh did not opt for digital payment, the conductor allegedly asked him to get off the bus. Unaware that the passenger was the state transport minister, the conductor maintained the usual ticketing procedure, and Suresh reportedly complied with the instruction.

The incident drew attention on social media, with several users appreciating the minister’s decision to experience public transport conditions directly. Some users said such surprise inspections could help officials understand ground-level issues, while others suggested that similar checks should be conducted across Karnataka and not limited to Bengaluru.

The inspection is part of efforts by the transport department to improve public bus services and strengthen accountability among staff. Officials said such field visits allow authorities to identify practical issues faced by passengers and take steps towards improving the overall commuting experience in Bengaluru.

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