Bengaluru
Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has issued strict rules for passengers traveling in its buses, warning of substantial fines for non-compliance. Passengers are expected to adhere to various regulations, including obtaining tickets from the bus operator upon boarding, refraining from smoking, alighting at designated stops, and avoiding standing near bus doors. One crucial rule pertains to the reserved seats, designated for specific groups like senior citizens, women, and the physically challenged. BMTC recently imposed hefty fines on violators of the reserved seat rule, particularly penalizing male passengers found seated in sections reserved for women. A total of Rs 34,700 was collected in fines from 347 male passengers who had transgressed this regulation. The penalties were levied under Sections 177 and 94 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The increase in fines is attributed to the growing number of women passengers using government buses, particularly due to initiatives like the Shakti Yojana, which provides free travel for women in the state. However, it’s emphasized that women availing of this benefit must present an Aadhaar card or another valid identity document to obtain tickets. Some instances of women traveling without tickets, as well as male passengers evading fare payments, have led to intensified checks by BMTC officials. In December 2023, authorities conducted checks on 16,785 bus trips, identifying 3,502 passengers who had not obtained tickets. A total of Rs 7,02,340 in fines was collected from these individuals. Additionally, 1,085 cases were registered against institutional administrators, and a cumulative fine of Rs 7,37,040 was imposed on 3,849 passengers for violating BMTC bus timing regulations during the same month. The corporation continues to enforce these measures to ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of its services.
