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Following widespread public protests, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced a 30% reduction in the recent fare hike, effective February 13, 2025. This decision comes after commuters expressed strong opposition, leading to a decline in daily ridership.
Why Was the Fare Reduction Announced?
- BMRCL Managing Director Maheshwar Rao stated that the board reviewed public feedback and decided to adjust the fare hike at specific points.
- He emphasized that the interests of passengers were a priority, and the revision aims to address concerns over abnormal fare increases.
"We have received feedback from the people. The board held meetings to review the fare fixation committee's recommendations and decided to adjust the prices where hikes were unusually high," said Rao.
Public Backlash & Social Media Outrage
- The fare hike sparked massive protests, with Bengaluru residents trending #BoycottMetro on social media.
- Many commuters reported empty trains, especially during peak office hours, as people switched to alternative transportation.
Metro Revenue vs. Ridership Drop
While the fare hike temporarily boosted revenue, it also led to a decline in daily ridership.
| Date | Revenue (₹ Crore) | Ridership (in Lakhs) |
|---|---|---|
| Before Fare Hike | 2.00 | 8.5 - 9.0 |
| February 9 | 3.00 | ~8.0 |
| February 12 | 3.91 | 7.75 |
- The Bengaluru Metro’s revenue increased by ₹1.5 crore in three days after the hike.
- However, the daily ridership dropped by 20,000 to 30,000 passengers, falling to 7.75 lakh on February 11.
