Bengaluru Metro commuters are grappling with the impact of a sharp fare hike, which has led to a decline in daily ridership. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) introduced the price increase, citing rising operational costs. However, many passengers feel the fare adjustment should have been implemented gradually rather than in one go.
Commuters Voice Their Frustration
Regular Metro users, including students and professionals, have expressed dissatisfaction with the increased costs. Some claim the abrupt price surge has affected their monthly budgets significantly.
- Varsha MG, a college professor, criticized the hike, stating that businesses increase prices strategically, whereas the Metro’s sudden fare jump felt unfair.
- Ram Sai, a daily commuter, mentioned that his travel costs from JP Nagar to Whitefield rose from Rs 60 to Rs 90, forcing him to reconsider using the Metro.
- Saniha, a student, highlighted the difficulties faced by non-earning commuters, saying the rise in fares has become a financial burden.
Political Backlash and Partial Rollback
The fare revision has sparked a political debate. The BJP blamed the Congress-led Karnataka government, while Congress pointed fingers at the Centre, citing the Fare Fixation Committee’s role. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya raised concerns in Parliament, leading to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directing BMRCL to reconsider the pricing. The Metro eventually rolled back fares by 33 percent on certain routes, though many believe prices remain high. More than 1 lakh riders stopped using Namma Metro, in 72 hours, after the price hike was announced.
Ridership Drops as Commuters Shift to Buses
Since the fare hike on February 9, Metro ridership has seen a steady decline, with many switching to BMTC buses. The daily average of 8.5–9 lakh passengers has dropped significantly, affecting revenue projections.
BMRCL’s Justification for the Fare Hike
BMRCL maintains that the fare increase was necessary due to rising costs:
- Staff expenses have increased by 42 percent since 2017.
- Energy costs have risen by 34 percent.
- Maintenance and administration costs have surged by 366 percent.
- Loan repayment obligations will reach Rs 2,776.58 crore by 2029-30.
Despite these challenges, commuters continue to demand a more affordable and phased fare adjustment to restore ridership and accessibility.
