Namma Metro New Ticket Prices: Bengaluru Metro Commuters Unhappy With Fare Hike, Call It 'Daylight Robbery'

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is facing heat on social media platforms after it decided to hike fare prices. Reacting to the Bengaluru metro fare price hike, many people described it as "daylight robbery," with some reporting that their travel expenses have nearly doubled. most of the commuters in Bengaluru are expressing discontent over the recent fare hike for the Namma Metro, which took effect on February 9.

According to the reports, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has rised fares upto 40-45%, however, passengers claim that travel cost has surged by 80-90% depending on their route.

Before this fare adjustment, BMRCL was generating around ₹2 crore daily from metro operations. The corporation expects an additional revenue increase of approximately ₹80 lakh or more with the new fares, contingent on passenger numbers.

Despite the backlash, BMRCL has kept the minimum fare at ₹10 for journeys up to 2 km, while trips over 25 km now cost ₹90.

Public Reaction to Fare Hike

Many commuters are reconsidering their transportation options due to rising metro costs. Some are contemplating switching to personal vehicles for their daily travel. One social media user remarked, "I travel 70 km daily, and taking my bike is now cheaper than using the metro. It's ironic that public transport costs more than personal travel. Shame on #BMRCL."

Another commuter expressed frustration over the fare hike: "I used to pay ₹47, and they claim to have raised fares by 43%, but in reality, it feels like almost a 100% increase. How is this justified? They even removed the 5% discount on QR tickets." A traveler from Kadugodi Tree Park to Byappanahalli noted that their fare had nearly doubled from ₹33.25 to ₹60.

Comparisons with Other States

The disparity in metro fares across India has also been questioned by some users. A social media post highlighted this issue: "We pay the same percentage of tax regardless of the state, so why are metro fares so high in Bengaluru compared to North Indian states?" This sentiment reflects broader concerns about regional differences in public transport pricing.

The new fare structure was based on recommendations from the Fare Fixation Committee. It includes a 10% discount for smart card users during weekends and national holidays.

Additionally, those using smart cards during non-peak hours will receive an extra 10% discount to encourage digital transactions and reduce ticketing congestion.