Female passenger, BMTC driver trade blows in ugly bus spat

Bengaluru: A BMTC electric bus driver and a woman passenger came to blows after a heated argument on Monday.

The incident occurred on route 502F, operating between Kengeri and Jalahalli. The bus was heading towards Jalahalli when an argument ensued due to the woman blocking access to the front door. 

A video, which went viral on Wednesday, showed the bus stopping on Tumakuru Road as the passenger hurled insults in Kannada and slapping the driver. He retaliated with a blow of his own.

Initial findings suggested that the driver was at fault, a senior BMTC official admitted, adding that the agency is investigating.

The driver, identified as Ravi, has been with the BMTC for a year. 

However, the drivers for the electric buses are not appointed by the BMTC, but by the bus manufacturer. The EV in question was supplied by TML Smart City Mobility Solutions, a subsidiary of Tata Motors. The bus manufacturer deploys the drivers and is also responsible for providing training and compensation. 

Concerns about electric bus operations have surfaced repeatedly.

Passengers have complained of drivers lacking soft skills and frequent sudden braking incidents that cause injuries. The BMTC has since appointed a soft skills trainer exclusively for e-bus drivers.