Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urgently called for a review of the recent fare hike on Bengaluru’s Namma Metro, which has seen some fares more than double in certain sections. In a tweet on Thursday, Siddaramaiah directed the Managing Director of Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to address the issue promptly. He highlighted the anomalies, especially where fares have risen excessively, and emphasized the need to reduce fares where increases have been unjustifiable.
The fare hike, implemented on Monday, has led to significant price spikes, leaving many office-goers and students struggling to afford the new rates. Commuters have expressed concerns that the steep rise in fares could discourage people from using public transport, a city already grappling with traffic congestion. Social media campaigns demanding a rollback gained momentum quickly, with many passengers stating that the fare increases far exceeded the initially proposed 47% hike.
For example, commuters traveling from SV Road to Pattandur Agrahara saw their fares increase from Rs 33.50 to Rs 60, with round-trip costs now exceeding Rs 120. The fare hike now affects passengers traveling between 10 to 15 km, with prices going up to Rs 60. Many commuters have criticized this as an act of “loot” and noted that it makes using personal vehicles more economical than taking the Metro.
In a political twist, Karnataka’s transport minister, Ramalinga Reddy, clarified that the fare increase was driven by a central committee, not the state government. However, BJP MPs from Bengaluru have placed the blame on the state government, calling for a reevaluation of the fare revision committee. The rise in fares has already impacted ridership numbers, with BMRCL recording a noticeable drop in passengers, from 8.3 lakh on February 10 to 40,000 fewer than the previous Monday.
The fare hike, in effect since 2017, has caused significant hardship for students, daily commuters, and low-income groups. Without student discounts, many are now opting for more affordable options like BMTC buses and private vehicles. Experts warn that the fare increase could have long-term repercussions for Bengaluru’s public transport system, especially for those who depend on it for their daily commute.
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