The loss-making BEST undertaking has deployed an additional 382 ticket-checking inspectors to crack down on ticketless travellers. They caught about 945 passengers one day on January 2, levying a fine of Rs 58,457. This is one of the biggest checking drives since COVID-19.

There were more complaints of ticketless passengers in conductorless buses as tickets are only provided at the originating point. Conductorless bus services were started on select routes in October 2019, later expanding to more routes. The BEST is planning on sustaining this drive. It is a matter of great shame that we need to be policed in this way to ensure we buy a ticket.