Surat, June 17 – Travelling without a valid ticket in Surat’s city and BRTS buses will now attract strict penalties. The Surat Municipal Corporation’s Public Transport Committee has decided to take firm action not only against passengers but also against bus drivers and conductors involved in ticketing irregularities.
A key meeting was held at the Delhi Gate Terminal with representatives of conductor and driver supply agencies, checkers, vigilance teams, and staff of Sitilink—the company operating the city and BRTS buses. Over 100 people attended the session, including Sitilink’s General Manager Praveen Prasad and Transport Committee Chairman Somnath Marathe.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to address increasing complaints related to drivers and conductors. It was decided that any bus staff member found guilty of misconduct—whether a driver, conductor, or ticket checker—will be fined and may also face police action.
Marathe emphasized that many passengers in Surat avoid taking tickets and only hand over money to the conductor at their stop. This practice often leads to conductors pocketing the fare without issuing a ticket, causing financial losses to the corporation. To curb this, all drivers and conductors must now log their cash-in-hand at the beginning of their shift. If excess cash is found during inspections, they will be penalized and possibly prosecuted.
Further rules include fines for any staff found on duty without proper uniform or ID, and strict action against drivers who skip designated stops. Agencies supplying such staff will also be held accountable.
Passengers are now being urged to either buy tickets or use travel passes such as the 'Saral Pass' to travel on city buses. Marathe warned, “Travelling without a ticket is an offense. A fine of ₹50 for children and ₹100 for adults will be imposed on those caught without a valid ticket.”
This enforcement drive has been declared a permanent campaign to ensure transparency, discipline, and accountability in the public transport system.
