Crackdown against cheating in Volvos

Crackdown against cheating in Volvos
Surprise drive reveals pilferage by conductors and ticketless travelling
SUCHITH KIDIYOOR


Asurprise drive against ticketless travelling in Volvo buses revealed that conductors, including on those plying between Bangalore International Airport (BIA) and Electronics City, are no different from their counterparts in ordinary buses when it comes to pilferage.
At the end of the 24x7 drive that went on for three days, more than Rs 6,000 was collected as penalty from ticketless travellers and cases were slapped on 62 conductors.
Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) sources said, During the drive, our officials made 1,064 checks on Majestic to ITPL route, Majestic to Electronic City and all the routes from the city to the airport. To our surprise, we found conductors pilfering, like in any other service. We also found passengers travelling with tickets of lesser denomination or using invalid passes. We issued notices on the spot to conductors involved in pilferage and collected penalty from ticketless passengers. The drive was undertaken after BMTC started receiving complaints about unscrupulous conductors.
Since a majority of those travelling by these high-end buses are working professionals, they do not tolerate such things. Moreover, Volvo services are designed to overcome the shortcomings of ordinary buses when it comes to crew etiquette, sources said.
After the drive, higher-ups in the BMTC decided to take stringent action against errant conductors.
Unlike other services, conductors and drivers in Volvo buses get incentives every day. It is not correct to cheat the BMTC. Hence, we decided on stringent punishment. First, errant staff would be shifted from premium services to common services. Punishment for habitual offenders will vary from a fine to suspension. We have decided ensure zero pilferage in Volvo buses, an official said. Those caught without a ticket on BIA route Volvo buses can invite a penalty of Rs 500.
ETMS TO CHECK PILFERAGE
The BMTC plans to use Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETM) to curb pilferage. We operate nearly 400 Volvo buses. All conductors in Volvo buses have been issued ETMs. In future, ETMs will be introduced in buses coming under JNNURM scheme and the Big 10 buses. ETMs can issue daily passes and also read smart cards issued by the BMTC, an official said.
Advantages
of ETMs
Easy for conductors to issue tickets. Easy to issue tickets to groups. Date, time, embarkment point and destination printed on tickets, making it easy to detect ticketless passengers. Conductors need not note down fare collection at every stage. Random checking of fare collected is easier. At the end of the day, very easy to find fare collected.