Bengaluru: Transport minister Byrathi Suresh directed Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) to revoke the suspension of conductor TG Ramakrishna after he allegedly asked the minister to get off a bus for not tendering the exact fare during a surprise inspection earlier this month.The conductor met the minister Wednesday, apologised for his behaviour, following which the suspension was revoked.At the same time, the minister issued a stern warning to conductors and drivers across BMTC buses and other state-run transport corporations against harassing passengers over the lack of exact change. He directed transport staff to treat all commuters with courtesy and warned that complaints of misconduct will invite disciplinary action.On July 11, Suresh travelled incognito on BMTC buses as part of a surprise inspection. While travelling on a bus from Hebbal towards Nagashettihalli, the conductor allegedly asked him to get off after he offered a Rs 100 note to buy a ticket costing Rs 6.The suspension had triggered mixed reactions. Many argued that the minister could have used BMTC’s QR code-based digital payment system, which the transport utility has been actively promoting, to purchase the ticket. Others felt suspending the conductor was too harsh, while some supported the action, saying ordinary passengers routinely face similar problems over the issue of exact change.
