Tejasvi Surya Highlights Bengaluru Metro Fare Increase in Parliament, Calls for Review
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Synopsis
Tejasvi Surya, the BJP MP from Bangalore South, has raised serious concerns about the recent fare increase for Bengaluru Metro in Parliament, urging a comprehensive review of the pricing structure to alleviate the burden on commuters.
Key Takeaways
- Tejasvi Surya addresses fare hike in Parliament.
- Commuters face a significant burden from increased fares.
- Fare Fixation Committee's recommendations are under scrutiny.
- New fare structure implemented on February 9.
- Discounts available for smart card users.
New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) Tejasvi Surya, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP representing Bangalore South, raised significant concerns regarding the recent fare hike of the Bengaluru Metro during the Lok Sabha session on Tuesday, advocating for a comprehensive review of the fare structure.
In an interview with IANS, Surya characterized the fare increase as a major burden on the commuters of Bengaluru, calling for a rationalization of the updated pricing system. "I have urged the authorities to re-evaluate the unscientific recommendations put forth by the Fare Fixation Committee. The common man and middle class are facing severe impacts. I raised this matter in Parliament today," he articulated.
Surya further elaborated that the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had approached the Fare Fixation Committee to assess Metro fares. However, the committee proposed a drastic increase, with fares at certain stations surging by more than 100 percent. "This drastic hike has rendered daily commuting unaffordable for many residents, necessitating immediate reconsideration," he told IANS.
The new fare structure, which was implemented by BMRCL on February 9, introduced varying prices for peak and non-peak hours. Commuters using smart cards were granted discounts. Despite these initiatives, the fare increase has faced backlash from various sectors, raising concerns about its effect on daily commuters.
According to Section 34 of the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002, a Fare Fixation Committee, chaired by a former High Court judge, was established to suggest a revised fare structure. The committee submitted its recommendations on December 16 of the previous year, and following approval by the BMRCL Board, the updated fares took effect on Sunday, February 9.
The fare begins at Rs 10 for a distance of 2 km and goes up to Rs 90 for travel up to 30 km.
BMRCL has defended its decision, asserting that the Fare Fixation Committee aimed to balance passenger affordability with the financial sustainability of Metro operations.
