BMTC Conductors in Bengaluru Lauded for Exemplary Integrity in Handling Passenger Property
In a series of heartening incidents, conductors from the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have been widely commended for their unwavering honesty and prompt action in safeguarding passengers' money and valuables. These acts of integrity have not only restored faith in public service but also highlighted the dedication of BMTC staff in Bengaluru.
Erroneous Digital Payments Prompt Swift Refunds
On January 14, a senior citizen boarding a city bus at Uttarahalli, en route from Kengeri to Banashankari, intended to pay a mere Rs 6 for his ticket using UPI via the conductor's QR code. However, in a moment of distraction, he accidentally transferred a staggering Rs 62,316. Alarmed by the mistake, the passenger immediately notified conductor K Puttaswamy, who took swift action by escalating the issue to depot authorities.
Chandrakala BR, manager of the Kengeri depot, explained that the passenger was guided to submit a written request along with essential documents, including Aadhaar details and bank transaction proof. "After the conductor provided clear instructions, the passenger submitted the necessary paperwork, and within a few days, the excess amount was fully refunded," she stated.
In a similar case on December 5, an IT professional named Niranjali mistakenly transferred Rs 64,000 while making a digital payment for a ticket to Electronics City on a bus departing from Kengeri. Upon realizing the error, she informed the conductor, who advised her to approach the depot with the required documentation. "Her excess funds were refunded promptly, and she expressed deep gratitude to the conductor and staff for their quick and efficient assistance," added the depot manager.
Gold Jewellery and Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Recovered
In another remarkable display of honesty, conductor Ganga S Pujari returned gold jewellery valued at nearly Rs 10 lakh that was left behind by a passenger. The incident occurred while she was on duty on a bus operating from KR Market to Padmanabhanagar. A woman passenger alighting at Basavanagudi inadvertently left one of her bags on the bus.
"After the bus departed Basavanagudi, while issuing tickets, I noticed an unattended bag and inquired with passengers if it belonged to anyone. They confirmed it did not," Pujari recounted. "Shortly after, officials informed me that a woman had approached a police station seeking help to trace the bag she had left behind. Meanwhile, the woman boarded another bus from Basavanagudi and sought assistance from its conductor, who contacted me as we are acquainted. At the final stop, we handed over the bag to her, and she was overjoyed to recover her valuables."
Similarly, a woman travelling on a Vayu Vajra service to Kempegowda International Airport forgot her robotic vacuum cleaner while alighting. The diligent crew managed to trace her and return the item, further underscoring the commitment of BMTC personnel to passenger welfare.
Recognition and Felicitation by Transport Minister
On Saturday, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy felicitated the conductors and staff involved in these incidents, awarding them cash prizes and appreciation letters for their prompt and honest service. This recognition serves as a testament to their exemplary conduct and reinforces the importance of integrity in public transportation.
These incidents collectively highlight how BMTC conductors in Bengaluru are going above and beyond their duties, ensuring that passengers' trust is upheld through acts of kindness and responsibility.
