Aug 31
Volvo Scam - Part 2
Volvo buses are my favorite mode of travel to office. Recently, I have become choosy in boarding Volvo buses and would get into only those buses wherein I can sit comfortably. That would mean missing two three buses and wasting nearly 10-15 mins for another bus but it's worth it. No point in paying so much money and then travel standing all the way. It's a premium service and imagine if you are fleeced over the premium service. That's what happened today.
I had posted earlier about how Volvo conductors charge extra here. The last time it happened I had no way to know for sure and had made a mental note of checking the ticket. The normal fare from my stop 'HAL Police Station' till 'Satya Sai Hospital' is Rs 25 (10 km). So when the conductor gave me a Rs 30 ticket, I checked the ticket. Sure enough, the Boarding point was way off from where I usually board. It was 'HAL Main Gate' instead of 'HAL Police Station / HAL Kalyana Mantapa'.
The conductor had his own explanation. He said the rate is all the same whether it's HAL Main Gate or HAL Police Station. Moreover, he refused to acknowledge my question whether the rate was increased recently or not. I knew it wasn't. So the first thing I tried after reaching office was to search for Volvo bus rates. After couple of attempts I got the latest Volvo rates here at bmtcinfo. The Volvo buses are called Vajra and 1 Stage indicates 2 km. So ideally, even with this ticket which shows 12 km, I should have been charged Rs. 25. The date and time on the ticket is also a case of worry. It indicates the previous day. Is the machine tampered or what? I have no clue. And please, I am not bickering about Rs. 5 here. I am questioning doing one's job honestly. If there was any doubt about raised fares, check this ticket for the evening for the same route back in Volvo.
I rest my case.
