Bengaluru’s public transport system is facing growing scrutiny as the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) intensifies checks to curb violations, such as ticketless travel and men occupying seats reserved for women. In a recent crackdown, BMTC collected over ₹19 lakh as fines from 10,069 passengers in just three months. This includes ₹17.96 lakh from 8,891 passengers for travelling without tickets, and ₹1.17 lakh from 1,178 male passengers occupying ladies’ seats. This fine collection highlights the corporation’s efforts to ensure discipline and fair use of public transport.
The intensified checks, conducted between August and October 2024, were aimed at improving commuter behaviour and preventing revenue loss. BMTC officials reported that a total of 57,219 bus trips were inspected, with staff identifying ticketless travellers across the city’s vast bus network. In addition to penalising passengers, 5,268 cases were filed against conductors for failing to enforce ticketing rules effectively. The fines come at a time when Bengaluru is grappling with increased pressure on public transport due to growing urbanisation and traffic congestion.
The civic impact of these fines goes beyond just revenue collection. Ticketless travel is a significant issue in Bengaluru, contributing to a loss of resources for the already financially strained BMTC. From an urban perspective, the city’s public transport infrastructure is under stress, with rising passenger numbers putting more pressure on existing systems. These penalties serve as a deterrent to maintain order, ensuring that the buses remain accessible for all citizens, especially women who are often at risk of harassment when men occupy reserved seats.
Sustainability remains a critical factor in this initiative. The increased enforcement not only supports better governance but also helps in creating a more sustainable transport system by encouraging ticket purchases and reducing over-crowding. Public transport systems like BMTC are essential for reducing Bengaluru’s carbon footprint, and ensuring disciplined travel helps make the city’s transportation network more efficient. Effective regulation and responsible commuter behaviour will be crucial in aligning Bengaluru’s growth with sustainability goals, especially as the city continues to expand rapidly.
