Bengaluru Metro Fare: The recent fare hike in Bengaluru’s metro system has caused a lot of concern among regular commuters. Fares now range from Rs 10 for a journey of 0-2 km to Rs 90 for a distance of more than 25 km. Also, the minimum balance required on the metro card has been increased from Rs 50 to Rs 90, putting further pressure on commuters, especially those who frequently travel short distances.
Disappointment over Bengaluru Metro fare hike
The fare hike has particularly impacted students and office workers who rely heavily on the Metro for daily commute. A passenger travelling from Benninganahalli to Nallurhalli shared her disappointment, saying her fare for a 13-km journey had increased from Rs 23 to Rs 47. Given the economic challenges faced by daily commuters, this almost doubling of cost is being considered unaffordable by many.
Bengaluru Metro opposed on social media
Young people, who frequently rely on the metro for travel, are particularly affected by this fare hike. Many feel that the increased cost makes the Bengaluru Metro unaffordable, leading to widespread calls for boycotts against the fare hike on social media platforms.
In response to public discontent, BMRCL has introduced a peak and off-peak hour fare system to ease some of the economic burden. Smart card users can avail a 5% discount during peak hours and a 10% discount during off-peak hours, which include before 8 am, 12 noon to 4 pm, and after 9 pm on weekends.
Fares have increased so much
Despite these concessions, many passengers are dissatisfied and find the revised fare structure unfair, especially those who travel during peak hours. The feeling among passengers is that these measures do not adequately address the financial pressure created by the fare hike.
| Distance | Revised Fares |
|---|---|
| 0-2 km | 10 rupees |
| 2-4 km | 20 rupees |
| 4-6 km | 30 rupees |
| 6-8 km | 40 rupees |
| 8-10 km | 50 rupees |
| 10-12 km | 60 rupees |
| 15-20 km | 70 rupees |
| 20-25 km | 80 rupees |
| 25-30 km and above | 90 rupees |
The change in Bengaluru’s metro fares has sparked significant debate and discontent among commuters who rely on affordable public transport options. While the introduction of discounts by BMRCL aims to ease some of the burden, many commuters feel more needs to be done to make metro travel financially viable for all users.
