Surat – In a bid to curb increasing instances of ticket fraud in city and BRTS buses operated by the Surat Municipal Corporation, authorities have initiated a strict enforcement campaign. Following a crucial meeting held yesterday, Transport Committee Chairman Somanath Marathe conducted surprise inspections on various routes today, leading to immediate action against several conductors and drivers.
As per report, Marathe personally inspected buses operating on route numbers 104 and 254 from Kharvar Nagar to Bhathena Circle, as well as route numbers 105 and 205 from Sosyo Circle to Komal Circle. During the inspection, the conductor of a bus on route 104 was suspended on the spot for not wearing the mandated uniform and ID card. The bus driver was fined and blacklisted for operating the vehicle with its doors open in violation of safety regulations.
On route 205, not a single passenger was found holding a valid ticket. As a result, the conductor was blacklisted after being penalized ten times. On route 105, a conductor was found to have collected over ₹2250 in cash without proper documentation and was penalized 23 times before being blacklisted.
At Komal Circle, another conductor was caught recording videos during duty hours and was immediately suspended. A driver on route 205 was also blacklisted after he was found in possession of ₹3300 in unaccounted cash during the inspection. Additionally, multiple passengers were found travelling without tickets, and fines were collected from them on the spot.
Chairman Somanath Marathe stated that the misuse of ticketing systems in city buses must be eradicated without compromise. He emphasized that any form of negligence by conductors or drivers would no longer be tolerated. The crackdown will continue, and strict action will be taken against all offenders to ensure transparency and discipline in public transport operations.
