Bengaluru Metro's Etiquette Drive Uncovers Nearly 1 Lakh Violations in One Year
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has released startling data from its year-long campaign to improve commuter behaviour, reporting close to 1 lakh violations of basic travel etiquette. The findings, announced on January 30, highlight persistent issues that disrupt the comfort and safety of metro journeys in India's tech capital.
Top Offences: Loud Music and Priority Seat Misuse
According to the BMRCL statement, the most common infractions involved passengers playing loud music inside trains, with a staggering 57,538 instances recorded. This was closely followed by 37,038 cases of commuters occupying seats reserved for older adults, differently-abled individuals, and women. Additionally, 1,907 people were caught eating inside trains, while 1,677 violated rules by chewing tobacco products.
The cumulative total of these violations amounts to nearly 1 lakh incidents, underscoring the scale of the challenge faced by metro authorities in fostering a more considerate travel environment.
BMRCL's Response: Awareness Campaigns and Home Guard Deployment
To address these concerns, BMRCL initiated a focused onboard sensitisation drive, deploying special teams across metro trains. Each team comprised two home guards from the Karnataka Police, tasked with counselling commuters and raising awareness about proper metro etiquette.
In its statement, BMRCL emphasised, "As a shared public space, metro trains require collective responsibility from all commuters to ensure a safe, comfortable, and pleasant travel experience." The corporation urged passengers to adopt simple practices such as using earphones for music, offering priority seats to those in need, and avoiding food and tobacco consumption inside trains.
Legal Implications and Penalties
BMRCL also reminded commuters that certain offences causing inconvenience to co-passengers attract penalties under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002. The awareness drive aims not only to educate but also to deter violations through the potential of legal consequences.
The corporation stressed that these efforts are part of a broader initiative to promote responsible commuter behaviour, reinforcing that small acts of courtesy can significantly enhance the inclusivity and pleasantness of the metro travel experience.
Digital Initiatives and Future Plans
In related developments, BMRCL recently launched QR-based periodical passes on the Namma Metro mobile application, offering unlimited travel for one, three, or five days. These passes, available as contactless smart cards with a refundable security deposit of Rs 50, reflect BMRCL's ongoing work to enhance commuter convenience and promote digital ticketing solutions.
The etiquette drive and digital upgrades come as BMRCL continues to expand its services, including testing on the Bengaluru Metro Pink Line's elevated section, with a potential opening slated for May. These combined efforts highlight a multifaceted approach to improving metro travel in Bengaluru, addressing both behavioural and technological aspects for a better commuter experience.
