Surat BRTS Driver Tells Passengers To Get Off If They Feel Hot, Suspended After Video Emerges

A Surat BRTS bus driver allegedly told passengers to get off the bus if they were feeling hot after they repeatedly asked him to switch on the air conditioner during a journey on Route 17. The incident escalated when a woman passenger began recording the exchange on her mobile phone, following which the driver switched on the AC.

The incident has sparked anger among passengers, who alleged that the driver behaved rudely despite repeated requests, including from women passengers.

Passengers Asked Driver To Switch On AC

According to the complaint, passengers travelling on the Route 17 BRTS bus were struggling with heat and suffocation and asked the driver to turn on the AC.

Despite repeated requests, the driver allegedly did not respond initially and told passengers that those feeling hot could get off the bus.

The situation changed after a woman passenger started recording the incident on her mobile phone. The driver then reportedly switched on the AC.

Passengers Allegedly Dropped On Road

The dispute did not end after the AC was switched on.

According to passengers, when the bus reached near Varachha Mini Bazaar, the driver allegedly left the bus and passengers were made to get off on the road despite requesting that they be allowed to continue their journey.

The incident led to anger among the passengers, who questioned the behaviour of public transport staff towards commuters, particularly women.

Driver Suspended, Notice Issued To Operator

Following the incident, the Surat Municipal Corporation took action against the driver and suspended him. A notice was also issued to the agency operating the bus service.

Passengers, however, said action in a single case would not be enough and called for stricter monitoring of drivers and conductors.

Questions Raised Over BRTS Passenger Service

The responsibility for operating Surat Municipal Corporation’s bus service has been entrusted to private operators. Passengers have alleged that complaints of rude behaviour and arbitrary conduct by drivers and conductors have surfaced from time to time.

They have demanded stronger supervision of bus operations and immediate action whenever complaints are received.

The incident has also raised questions over the accountability of private operators and the responsibility of public transport staff to maintain discipline and treat passengers respectfully.