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The Bengaluru Namma Metro fare from Yeshwanthpur Station to Majestic Station, previously raised from Rs 25 to Rs 50 (a 100% increase), has been reduced to Rs 40, a 60% increase
BMRCL initially announced a 40% fare hike but implemented increases of up to 100%, later reducing them to 70%. (PTI)
Following huge public outcry in Bengaluru after Metro fares doubled, the state government has implemented fare reductions, effective from February 14.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah acknowledged public opposition to the recent fare hike by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL), stating that some routes saw a 100% increase. “Acknowledging public opposition, I have directed the BMRCL Managing Director to lower fares in areas where the increase was excessive,” he said.
In a press conference on February 13, BMRCL MD Maheshwar Rao confirmed the fare reduction, stating that adjustments would be made where fares had increased by 40%-50%. However, there will be no change to the Metro’s minimum and maximum fares, and the fare structure will be revised stage by stage.
The revised fares apply only to routes where fares had increased by 90%-100%. For instance, the fare from Yeshwanthpur Metro to Majestic station, previously raised from Rs 25 to Rs 50 (a 100% increase), has been reduced to Rs 40, a 60% increase. Overall, the fare hike has been brought down to 70%.
BMRCL initially announced a 40% fare hike but implemented increases of up to 100%, later reducing them to 70%. However, only routes with 90%-100% increases have seen reductions, frustrating many commuters, particularly students and daily travellers.
BMRCL had claimed a 46% hike, but some fares surged by 90%-100%. Under public pressure, the corporation has cut fares by 30% in cases where the increase was 100%, implementing the revised rates from February 14.
How Has The Reduction Been Applied?
Fares at stations where rates had doubled have been adjusted on a stage-by-stage basis. The highest fare hikes (90%-100%) have been revised, with a 30% reduction where the increase reached 100%. Additionally, fares between significantly affected stations have been merged to provide some relief for short-distance travellers.
BMRCL MD Maheshwar Rao stated in the press conference, “Metro fares will not be revised individually but will be merged on a stage basis. If there is a significant fare jump, corrective action will be taken. The minimum fare remains Rs 10, and the maximum is Rs 90. If there is an increase beyond Rs 90-Rs 100, we will reduce it accordingly.”
However, many commuters remain dissatisfied, arguing that this is not a genuine fare reduction but an adjustment to the previous hike. Some stations still have disproportionately high fares, and passengers feel the revision does little to ease the financial burden caused by the fare increase.
- Location :
Bangalore, India, India
