Commuters complain of unsafe ticketing practices and rude behaviour by BMTC Volvo and airport bus conductors in Bengaluru

A major concern raised by regular passengers is that most conductors in these buses do not move around to issue tickets.

Passengers travelling in the premium Volvo and airport buses of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) complain that most conductors, especially on Volvo buses, do not approach passengers to issue tickets. Instead, they remain seated near the door and issue tickets from there, forcing passengers to stand in an unsafe position and risk falling due to sudden jerks or strong acceleration and brakes.

While complaints of refusal to stop at designated bus stops or not returning change are often reported on regular BMTC buses, commuters say that even the much-hyped Volvo services, which are marketed as premium and comfortable, have their own set of problems.

A major concern raised by regular passengers is that most conductors in these buses do not move around to issue tickets. Instead, they remain seated near the front door, and expect passengers to come to them for their tickets, even as the vehicle is moving.

“Once you board the bus, the conductor immediately starts issuing the ticket near the door itself. You are forced to stand right there, even if the bus is jerking or braking hard. It’s very risky. We have seen people stumble or lose balance because there’s nothing to hold on to in that area,” said Preeti M., a daily commuter from Hulimavu to Cubbon Park.

These buses are known for their strong acceleration and sudden braking systems. Passengers say that standing near the door without proper support while the bus is in motion is hazardous. Despite repeated requests from passengers to issue tickets after they are seated or in a safer area of the bus, conductors allegedly refuse to budge.

“It’s not that we don’t want to buy tickets. But why can’t the conductor just come to us once we are seated or standing safely?” said Harsha N., a tech professional who travels from Banashankari to Hebbal.

“The conductor rudely tells us to come to him instead. It’s insensitive, especially when we’re trying to hold on with one hand and balance ourselves,” he added.