Bengaluru Metro Ridership Declines After Exorbitant Fare Hike

Ridership in Bengaluru's metro has plummeted following a steep fare increase by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). Despite implementing a cap on the fare hike, passenger numbers dropped from 8.5 lakh to 6.3 lakh daily, resulting in unchanged or decreased revenue for BMRCL.

Ridership on Bengaluru's metro train system has significantly declined following an exorbitant fare hike, according to sources at the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). Previously, the system catered to approximately 8.5 lakh passengers daily before the February 8 fare increase.

The BMRCL had raised fares by nearly 100 percent and tacked on an additional 5 percent during peak hours. Ten days after the hike, daily passengers have decreased to 6.3 lakh, marking a reduction of about 2.3 lakh. The anticipated increase in revenue has not materialized, and earnings remain the same or lower than before the fare increase.

Despite capping fare hikes at 71 percent on certain routes, BMRCL faces a backlash. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered a review of the fare policy by March 1. Meanwhile, BJP MP P C Mohan criticized the fare increase, attributing a loss of 6.26 lakh passengers to the Karnataka Congress government's mismanagement.

(With inputs from agencies.)