Warm gestures by city police, BMTC, kick start the new year

This New Year began on a right note for several Bengalureans who were surprised with goodwill gestures from the city police and the city transport corporation.

Early on Monday morning, many party-goers were stranded due to difficulties in finding cabs or autos. The Bengaluru City Police came to their rescue and dropped many of them home.

"We got reports about the situation and I discussed it with my seniors. We considered many options and finally thought about giving them a drop ourselves," said Abdul Ahad, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Whitefield division.

He said that in the Mahadevapura, Whitefield, and Marathalli region, at least 150 such people were dropped home safely. The city police have occasionally dropped people home, especially senior citizens and women. However, this was a first time that it was done with an official backing.

"We announced it through social media informing people that they could call us. We got many calls even through the control room," Ahad said.

Thankful passengers took selfies with the policemen and many took to social media to thank the Bengaluru City Police for the security arrangements.

Commuters on Volvo buses too had a good start to their year.

Paul D'souza, a resident of Whitefield said,"I was halfway across the road, about 100 yards away, when the BMTC bus reached the stop. They kept the bus waiting for me. There were a handful of passengers on the bus. The driver and conductor walked around wishing everyone and giving them roses." D'souza was touched by the goodwill gesture and regretted not taking a picture with the driver and conductor of the bus.

Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) surprised passengers on their Vajra and Vayu Vajra buses on Monday, presenting them with roses and New Year greetings. Drivers and conductors in all 781 BMTC Volvo buses welcomed passengers this way.

They were also informed about the discount on tickets being offered for a month on a pilot basis.