Bengaluru BMTC Launches Massive Crackdown On Rule Violators
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has stepped up its enforcement drive across the city to curb ticketless travel and ensure passenger discipline. In an intensified round of checks over April and May, authorities caught thousands of violators, including those dodging fares and misusing reserved seats. The move aims to reinforce accountability, boost revenue, and improve commuter experience in public transport.
In just two months, the BMTC’s checking staff inspected over 38,000 bus trips across Bengaluru. The checks focused on detecting ticketless travel, conductor negligence, and misuse of passenger seating arrangements. Over 5,700 individuals were fined for travelling without tickets, resulting in penalty collections exceeding ₹12.6 lakh. This wave of enforcement underscores the corporation’s renewed efforts to tighten operational standards across its expanding urban fleet.
Conductors also faced scrutiny, with approximately 3,500 being booked for duty violations during this period. These included failure to issue tickets, improper record-keeping, and disregard for commuter complaints. Authorities said these actions were necessary to ensure conductors fulfil their responsibilities, especially as BMTC prepares for more tech-driven ticketing systems. The intent is to reinforce commuter trust in bus services while improving internal accountability.
The crackdown wasn’t limited to ticketless riders and conductors. Male passengers occupying women’s reserved seats were also penalised. A total of 652 cases were registered, resulting in fines worth ₹65,200. This reflects growing enforcement of gender-sensitive commuting norms. Transport staff have reportedly been directed to maintain stricter vigilance, particularly during peak hours when such seat violations are most common.
In total, BMTC penalised more than 6,300 passengers during this enforcement phase, collecting around ₹13.3 lakh in fines. According to senior personnel, these measures are expected to instil greater commuter discipline, encourage ticket purchases, and ensure safe, respectful travel environments. The corporation plans to continue random checks, leveraging both manual and digital surveillance systems to keep infractions in check citywide.
The BMTC’s intensified inspection efforts signal a renewed push towards commuter discipline, operational integrity, and a safer, more inclusive public transport system in Bengaluru. With thousands penalised for fare evasion and seat violations, the transport body has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on non-compliance. Regular checks and digital upgrades are now central to keeping the city’s bus transit system efficient and equitable.
