The recent fare hike for Bengaluru’s Namma Metro, which came into effect on February 9, has sparked outrage among commuters, many of whom have taken to social media to criticize the move. While the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) claimed the fare increase ranges between 40-45%, passengers argue that the hike is much steeper, with some routes seeing a rise of 80-90% in ticket prices.
Commuters Express Frustration
Many metro users feel that the price hike is making public transport less affordable, forcing them to reconsider using their personal vehicles. One commuter voiced their frustration on social media, stating:
Why Is Bengaluru’s Metro More Expensive?
Several users have raised concerns about why metro fares are not standardized across India, pointing out that Bengaluru now has the highest metro fares in the country.
BMRCL’s Justification for the Fare Hike
Despite the growing backlash, BMRCL has defended the revised fare structure, stating that the minimum fare remains unchanged at ₹10 for trips up to 2 km. However, for longer journeys exceeding 25 km, the fare has now increased to ₹90.
The price adjustments were made based on recommendations from the Fare Fixation Committee, which also proposed certain discounts:
- 10% discount for smart card users on weekends and national holidays.
- Additional 10% discount for smart card users traveling during non-peak hours to encourage digital transactions and ease ticketing congestion.
Revenue Boost for BMRCL
Currently, BMRCL generates ₹2 crore daily from metro operations. With the revised fares, the corporation expects an additional revenue increase of approximately ₹80 lakh or more, depending on passenger volume.
As the debate over metro affordability continues, commuters are demanding a reconsideration of the fare structure, urging authorities to prioritize making public transport cost-effective and accessible for all.
Sources By Agencies
