The maximum fare is now up from ₹60 to ₹90.
| Photo Credit: file photo
In another blow to users of public transport, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced a hike in Namma Metro fares. The revised fare structure will come into effect on Sunday.
The maximum fare is now up from ₹60 to ₹90. The minimum fare for the shortest distance (0-2 km) remains unchanged at ₹10, but the fare for the next stage (2-4 km) has increased from ₹15 to ₹20. Beyond 30 km, passengers will now have to pay ₹90.
This follows a recent hike in bus fares implemented by the Karnataka government, which increased ticket prices by 15% across all four State-run transport corporations from January 5.
Discount for smart card users
According to a statement by BMRCL on Saturday, a 5% discount will now be provided only to smart card users, while QR code users will no longer be eligible for any discount.
Passengers queuing up to buy tickets at a metro station.
| Photo Credit:
file photo
BMRCL has increased the minimum balance requirement for smart cards from ₹50 to ₹90. However, an additional discount has been introduced for smart card users travelling during off-peak hours. A 5% discount will be applicable during peak hours, while a total of 10% (5% during peak and 5% during off-peak) will be available for those travelling outside rush hours. Off-peak hours are defined as the time from the start of metro operations until 8 a.m., between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., and from 9 p.m. until the closing of metro services on weekdays, according to a release.
Further, BMRCL has announced that smart card users will also receive a 10% discount on all Sundays and national holidays, including Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.
The fare revision also affects tourist card fares and group ticket prices. The new rates for one-day, three-day, and five-day passes will now be ₹300, ₹600, and ₹800, respectively.
Fare fixation committee recommendations
BMRCL has stated that the fare revision follows the recommendations of the fare fixation committee, which was constituted by the Union government on September 7, 2024, under the chairmanship of a former High Court judge. The committee submitted its report on December 16, recommending the revised fare structure.
The committee, an independent body with quasi-judicial authority, carried out a comprehensive evaluation of operational expenses, sought feedback from passengers, and consulted with experts before presenting its report to BMRCL.
“The committee after a fine balance between affordability and financial sustainability has recommended the following revised fare structure,” BMRCL said in its release.
Dissatisfaction
The hike has triggered dissatisfaction among commuters, particularly daily travellers . Many have expressed concerns over the additional financial burden, especially following the recent bus fare hike.
“This is unfair to regular commuters like me. I switched to the metro because it was cost effective, but now even this is becoming expensive. The metro is already overcrowded during peak hours, and while BMRCL cannot add additional trains, it is ready to hike fares. The committee should have questioned BMRCL about the Yellow Line’s operation, which has been delayed for months despite being completed,” said Puneeth Kumar, a daily metro user who travels from Yeshwantpur to M.G. Road for work.
Another commuter, Mohan Prasad, a college student, voiced his frustration: “Public transport should be accessible to everyone. Instead of encouraging more people to use the metro, these fare hikes will force many to look for alternative transport, which could lead to increased traffic congestion.”
Published – February 09, 2025 07:00 am IST