A steep rise in Bengaluru Metro ticket prices has angered daily travelers, leading to a sharp fall in passenger numbers. Many, especially students and those on tight budgets, feel the abrupt hike has upset their financial planning. Even after a partial reduction of up to 33%, the metro has lost nearly one lakh daily users.

Regular riders argue that a gradual increase would have been more reasonable. Some say fares in certain routes nearly doubled overnight, making metro travel far less affordable. Many have switched to BMTC buses, deeming them a cheaper alternative.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) defended the decision, citing mounting operational costs, growing staff salaries, and massive loan repayments. Officials insist that the fare adjustment was necessary for long-term financial stability.

Political leaders quickly responded to the backlash. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya raised the issue in Parliament, urging a reconsideration, while Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah labeled the hike “excessive” and instructed metro authorities to reassess pricing. Despite the rollback, many commuters find fares still unreasonably high.

Though revenue has jumped by nearly Rs 1.5 crore daily since the hike, BMRCL continues to struggle with financial losses of Rs 400-500 crore annually. Officials assure that additional funds will be reinvested into metro services. However, with ridership still below previous levels, concerns over long-term viability persist.