Bengaluru Metro: BMRCL to Reevaluate Fare Hike Following Public Outcry
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Synopsis
On February 13, BMRCL announced plans to revisit its fare matrix following significant criticism over ticket price hikes. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also urged for reconsideration, emphasizing the need to protect commuters’ interests in light of a 100% or more fare increase.
Key Takeaways
- BMRCL plans to review fare hikes.
- 46% of riders will benefit from the fare reassessment.
- No change to minimum or maximum ticket prices.
- Fare revision is mandated by the Fare Fixation Committee.
- Significant decrease in Namma Metro ridership post-hike.
Bengaluru, Feb 13 (NationPress) The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) facing criticism over the increase in ticket prices has declared its intention to reassess the fare structure to tackle commuters’ concerns regarding a 100 percent or more increase in Metro ticket fares.
Even Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged the BMRCL on Thursday to reconsider the fare hike.
The announcement about the fare review was made during a joint press conference by Managing Director Maheshwar Rao, Director of Operations and Maintenance Sumit Bhatnagar, and Director of Finance S Sivamathan.
“The BMRCL executed the fare revision starting February 9 based on the recommendations from the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), which are mandatory for the company under the law,” stated BMRCL MD Rao.
Rao added, “The Bangalore Metro Railway Administration has listened to the complaints from its commuters about the 100 percent or more increase in their daily travel costs, held discussions for two consecutive days, and has revisited the fare matrix to reevaluate the FFC's recommendations in order to find the most effective solution within the FFC's framework while adhering to legal requirements.”
With the adjusted fare matrix, approximately 46 percent of the commuting population, totaling around 291,418 passengers, will benefit, he emphasized.
This adjustment is being made without compromising the integrity and principles of the FFC, as mandated by the Metro Railway (Operations and Maintenance) Act, which stipulates that the committee's recommendations are binding for the Metro Rail Administration.
“By addressing the concerns raised by the traveling public, we aim to ensure mobility services for diverse segments of the population,” Rao declared.
He further mentioned that there would be no alteration in the minimum (Rs 10) and maximum (Rs 90) ticket prices.
If the ticket prices have soared, they will be lowered, he confirmed.
When asked about the fare increase, Rao indicated that even following the hike, the BMRCL is expected to experience losses for an additional four years, necessitating the management of security arrangements and facilities.
He further explained, “The need to fulfill debt obligations, account for depreciation of aging assets, and manage rising operational costs has necessitated a fare increase.”
The Fare Fixation Committee recommended an average increase of 105.15 percent (i.e., 6.87 percent YoY) in contrast to the BMRCL's request of 14.02 percent YoY, before discounts. This fare revision has taken place after 7.5 years.
“Currently, the fare for DMRC ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 60. However, this fare structure was established in 2017, and it has been about 8 years since then. Therefore, it is inappropriate to make direct comparisons. The minimum fare for the Mumbai Metro is also Rs 10, and the maximum is Rs 80,” Rao mentioned.
The revised ticket fares will take effect from Friday, as confirmed by sources.
Previously, CM Siddaramaiah had urged the BMRCL to reconsider the fare increase.
Following the fare hike, Namma Metro ridership decreased by about 80,000 in the city.
He further stated, “I have requested the MD of BMRCL to promptly address these matters and reduce fares where increases are excessive. The interests of commuters must be protected.”
