Bengaluru’s students are feeling the pinch of the recent Namma Metro fare hike, with many now considering switching to city buses. A typical 10km round-trip to school on the Metro has risen from Rs 50-60 to Rs 120 daily, pushing monthly costs beyond Rs 3,500—a significant financial strain for many.

While BMTC offers free bus rides for boys up to class 7 and discounts for other male students, along with free travel for women under the Shakti scheme, BMRCL has not extended similar discounts for students. Meghana G, a postgraduate student, expressed concern: “My fare from Mantri Square to Jnanabharathi was Rs 33.5, but now it’s doubled, making it unaffordable. I have to look for alternatives, like city buses.” Many of her friends share the same sentiment, unable to continue using the Metro.

Undergraduate student Prakruthi S, who used to pay Rs 22 from Sandal Soap Factory to Majestic, now faces a Rs 40 fare. “Metro travel was faster, but now it’s too expensive,” she said, adding that her parents can no longer afford the rising costs. Rohith MR, an engineering student, noted the impact on government college students, stating, “The authorities are making it difficult for us to commute affordably.”

Urban mobility expert Prof Ashish Verma warned that fare hikes could discourage lower-income groups from using the Metro. On Monday, the first working day post-hike, ridership dropped by 40,000 passengers, indicating the fare increase’s potential impact.

BMRCL, defending the revision, stated that fares hadn’t been adjusted in over seven years. They argued that comparisons with other metro systems, like Delhi or Mumbai, are inappropriate due to differing fare structures.