BMTC buses remain the lifeline of Bengaluru, carrying lakhs of passengers every day. Yet, the system is under strain. This year alone, more than 10,000 complaints have been filed against BMTC drivers and
conductors between January and September. That figure has already overtaken last year’s total of 11,000 complaints, in just nine months.
According to sources, an average of more than 100 complaints pour into the BMTC control room and its WhatsApp line every day. The rising dissatisfaction points to a troubling trend that the city’s transport authority cannot ignore.
What Are Passengers Complaining About?
The complaints highlight a range of issues that affect both safety and comfort. Rash driving remains one of the biggest concerns, with passengers alleging that high-speed driving endangers lives.
Alongside safety worries, there are growing reports of rude behavior from drivers and conductors, particularly directed at women. Ticket-related grievances are also frequent. These include allegations of conductors not issuing tickets after receiving money or refusing to return change.
Since the rollout of the state government’s free bus travel ‘Shakti’ scheme, the number of complaints has spiked further. Passengers claim some conductors misbehave with women who show their Aadhaar cards to avail free rides.
The frustration has been especially sharp among non-Kannada-speaking passengers from other states, many of whom say they feel singled out when asking for change or assistance. Together, these incidents are building public anger and tarnishing BMTC’s reputation as the city’s backbone of mobility.
Employees Get Good News Amid the Storm
Even as complaints rise, there is some relief for BMTC employees. Following the success of a Rs 1 crore insurance policy offered to Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) employees, the scheme has now been extended to BMTC staff.
The Transport Department, in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI), has finalized the extension, which will cover BMTC employees who have salary accounts with SBI. The new agreement is designed to give financial protection and security to workers whose jobs come with daily risks.
What the Rs 1 Crore Insurance Policy Covers
The insurance package offers a range of benefits for BMTC employees and their families.
- In the event of death due to a personal accident, compensation of Rs 1 crore will be provided.
- For death caused by an air accident, the same amount of Rs 1 crore will be paid.
- In cases of permanent total disability due to accidents, Rs 1 crore will be offered.
- The scheme also includes Rs 6 lakh free life insurance in case of natural death, with no premium payment required.
- Unique to this scheme, financial assistance is also available for the marriage of female family members, Rs 5 lakh for one daughter and up to Rs 10 lakh for two daughters in case of accidental death of the employee.
A System in Tension
The contrast is striking. On one hand, BMTC is under mounting criticism from passengers over safety and service. On the other, its employees have gained valuable protection through a landmark insurance scheme.
Together, these developments highlight the tension within the city’s public transport system, a service stretched by high passenger loads, but still reliant on its workforce.
As Bengaluru grows, BMTC will have to address both sides of the coin: restoring trust among passengers through better service, while ensuring drivers and conductors are motivated and protected.
