Bengaluru Metro fare hike: Maximum charge increased to Rs 90, special discount on smart cards during weekends and non-peak hours

Under the caller fare system, the outgo of Bengaluru Metro question is structured arsenic follows:

Discounts and astute paper benefits

BMRCL has retained the 5 per cent discount connected astute cards and introduced additional benefits for commuters. An other 5 per cent discount volition beryllium disposable for question during off-peak hours, making the full discount 10 per cent. Off-peak hours are defined arsenic question earlier 8 am, betwixt 12 p.m. and 4 pm, and aft 9 p.m. connected weekdays.

Additionally, a 10 per cent discount connected astute cards volition beryllium applicable connected Sundays and nationalist holidays, including January 26, August 15, and October 2. The minimum equilibrium required for astute cards has been accrued to Rs 90.

Changes to tourer and radical tickets

Tourist passes person been revised, with a one-day walk present priced astatine Rs 300, a three-day walk astatine Rs 600, and a five-day walk astatine Rs 800. Group tickets volition connection discounts ranging from 15 per cent to 25 per cent, depending connected the radical size. Additionally, a level fare of Rs 60 per idiosyncratic volition use for definite question patterns, portion for larger groups, the complaint volition beryllium Rs 50 per person.

The revised fare system, according to BMRCL, is designed to equilibrium affordability and fiscal sustainability for metro operations. BMRCL presently operates a 77-km network, with the Purple Line covering 43.5 km and the Green Line spanning 33.5 km.

Since commencing operations successful 2011 with the Baiyappanahalli-MG Road route, BMRCL has faced fiscal challenges, incurring a cumulative nonaccomplishment of Rs 1,280 crore implicit the past 3 years. However, the corp reported reduced losses from Rs 476 crore successful 2022-23 to Rs 341 crore successful 2023-24, partially owed to regular ridership reaching 8.5 lakh connected non-holiday weekdays.

‘A pinch successful the pockets’, accidental commuters

However, the determination has drawn disapproval from commuters who are dissatisfied with the deficiency of improvements successful Metro services. Complaints see insufficient work frequence connected operational lines and delays successful opening the Yellow Line from RV Road to Bommasandra owed to a shortage of metro coaches. In fact, Bangalore Central MP PC Mohan, criticising the move, had requested that BMRCL reconsider revising the fares. He stated that it would unit radical to power to backstage transportation, yet starring to congestion.

Rathen Sreenivas, a regular commuter, said, “This summation volition pinch our pockets. In return, we expect the authorities to velocity up the metro networks, adhd much trains and streamline the services much effectively.”

Echoing the aforesaid sentiment, Nidhi Prashanth Uchil, different commuter, said, “The caller metro fares look rather expensive, particularly with the increasing fig of commuters. If prices are being increased, it would beryllium much tenable to besides summation the fig of trains, making the higher fares much justifiable.”

Rajkumar Dugar, convenor of the Citizens4Citizens forum, said, “Tariff emergence should person been avoided. This besides highlights that radical volition yet person to wage for each rupee. Lower tariff equals higher patronage and yet little congestion connected roads.”

Opposition enactment Janata Dal (Secular) connected X said, “The corrupt @INCKarnataka authorities has hiked metro fares by 46%. At a clip erstwhile the radical of Karnataka are already struggling with rising costs, the @siddaramaiah authorities has erstwhile again burdened them with different terms hike. Previously, the authorities had accrued autobus fares, beverage prices, energy tariffs, substance prices (petrol and diesel), stamp duty, fees for commencement and decease certificates, and aesculapian attraction charges astatine authorities hospitals. Now, metro fares person besides been increased, effectual from tomorrow. By relentlessly exploiting the radical each time successful immoderate mode oregon different to capable its coffers, this loot-driven Congress authorities has go a curse for Karnataka.”