Conductor Conduct
This domain tests the standard of behaviour expected of a licensed conductor on duty - the things that lead to complaints and licence action even when no traffic offence has occurred.
Appearance and identity
Wear the prescribed uniform, carry your conductor's licence and identity card, and display the badge where required. Appear sober and alert; consumption of alcohol or intoxicants on duty is a disciplinary offence and risks your licence.
Conduct towards passengers
- Be courteous and even-tempered; the conductor's mood sets the tone of the whole bus.
- Never discriminate on grounds of caste, religion, gender, disability or language.
- Do not use abusive language, threaten, or enter into a shouting match.
- Do not accept tips, gifts or free rides in exchange for concessions.
- Do not overcharge, and do not short-issue a ticket to pocket the difference.
Conduct towards the driver and authorities
- Do not distract the driver, argue in front of passengers, or interfere with the controls.
- Never instruct or pressure the driver to speed, to skip a stop or to overtake dangerously.
- Cooperate fully with checking staff and police; produce the waybill, ticket stock and cash on demand.
- Do not allow unauthorised persons in the driver's cabin or permit free travel to acquaintances.
Protecting passengers
Take complaints of harassment seriously, shift the affected passenger near the conductor or to a seat near other women, and stop at the next safe point to call the control room or police.
Worked example
A passenger becomes abusive because his stop was missed. Reasoning: the correct response is to stay calm, acknowledge the error, tell him the next safe stopping point, and record the incident - not to retaliate, because retaliation converts a service complaint into a conduct case against the conductor.
Traps that cost marks
Losing your temper; allowing a friend to ride free; and treating checking staff as adversaries rather than as officials entitled to inspect.