Why Have Over 1,000 Bus Conductors in Surat Been Blacklisted?
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Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, Surat Municipal Corporation has blacklisted over 1,000 bus conductors due to rampant ticket theft and misconduct. This enforcement effort is part of their initiative to restore public trust in the city’s public transport system. Can the SMC effectively tackle these issues and improve service quality?
Key Takeaways
- The Surat Municipal Corporation has blacklisted 1,032 conductors in 17 months.
- Misconduct included non-issuance of tickets and harassment.
- A vigilance team has been established to monitor bus staff.
- The SMC is implementing a zero-tolerance policy.
- Public trust in the transport system needs to be restored.
Surat, June 4 (NationPress) Despite investing millions of rupees into city bus services to provide affordable and efficient public transportation, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) in Gujarat has faced significant financial setbacks due to rampant ticket theft and misconduct among bus conductors.
In a recent enforcement action, the corporation has blacklisted 1,032 conductors over the last 17 months following a series of complaints, including the failure to issue tickets, inappropriate behavior, and harassment.
The SMC manages over 750 city and BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) buses that cater to around 200,000 commuters daily, including students, professionals, and daily wage laborers.
However, the public transport service has often found itself embroiled in controversy, primarily due to the actions of the staff operating these buses.
After receiving substantial reports indicating that conductors were collecting cash fares from passengers without issuing tickets, thereby pocketing the fares, the municipality initiated an investigation. This misconduct not only caused a significant loss in revenue but also deterred citizens from utilizing the service.
In response, the Surat Municipal Corporation established a specialized vigilance team to monitor bus staff behavior. This team has been instrumental in identifying and reporting offenders, resulting in disciplinary measures against more than a thousand conductors.
Somnath Marathe, Chairman of the Public Transport Service of SMC, stated: “Previously, suspensions were frequent, but conductors often returned due to recommendations. Now, we implement a zero-accident and zero-tolerance policy. Whether it's speeding, improper dress, not wearing seat belts, or neglecting to issue tickets, we are no longer ignoring such behavior. We have blacklisted these negligent conductors and drivers.”
Although efforts have been made to enhance public transport in Surat through affordable city and BRTS buses, the ongoing misconduct by conductors has eroded public trust.
The SMC's ongoing enforcement initiatives aim to rebuild this trust and encourage more residents to opt for public transportation. The corporation has also signaled its intention to impose strict penalties on drivers and conductors who do not comply with safety and service regulations in the future.
Point of View
Implementing strict measures against misconduct is essential for restoring public confidence. This situation underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to service standards in maintaining a trustworthy public transport system.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the blacklisting of bus conductors in Surat?
The blacklisting was a result of widespread ticket theft and passenger misconduct reported against the conductors. Complaints included non-issuance of tickets and harassment.
How many bus conductors have been blacklisted?
A total of 1,032 conductors have been blacklisted over the past 17 months.
What measures is the Surat Municipal Corporation taking to improve public transport?
The SMC has formed a dedicated vigilance team to monitor staff conduct and is enforcing a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.
How does the misconduct affect public transport in Surat?
The misconduct has led to significant revenue loss and has discouraged citizens from utilizing the public transport system.
What is the daily ridership of the bus services in Surat?
The SMC operates over 750 buses that serve approximately 200,000 commuters daily.
