Bengaluru Metro Fare Hike 50% Increase with New Tariff System
Bengaluru Metro riders will face a significant fare increase starting February 9, 2025, as Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) implements a 50% hike in metro fares. This change, which follows recommendations made by the Fare Fixation Committee, will see fares for metro journeys rise across different distance ranges, with the maximum fare now set at Rs 90. Along with the price hike, the revised fare structure introduces separate tariffs for peak and non-peak hours, aimed at providing more flexibility and discounts for commuters.
The previous maximum fare of Rs 60 has been raised to Rs 90, with the minimum balance required on travel cards also increasing from Rs 50 to Rs 90. The fare structure will now vary based on the distance travelled, with new rates such as Rs 10 for 0-2 km, Rs 20 for 2-4 km, Rs 30 for 4-6 km, and so on. For journeys exceeding 25 km, the fare will be capped at Rs 90, which is the new maximum fare. BMRCL’s decision comes after a thorough review by the Fare Fixation Committee, which submitted its report on December 16, 2024. The report’s recommendations have been implemented under the Metro Railway O&M Act, making them mandatory for the metro administration. While this fare hike has been met with mixed reactions, BMRCL has emphasised that the changes are essential to maintaining the quality and efficiency of the metro service as the city continues to grow.
One key feature of the new tariff system is the introduction of discounts during off-peak hours. Riders who travel during non-peak hours will benefit from a 10% discount, which combines a 5% reduction during peak hours and an additional 5% discount for non-peak times. Non-peak hours, as defined by BMRCL, run from the start of service until 8 am, between noon and 4 pm, and from 9 pm until closing hours. Additionally, there will be a 10% discount for all smart card users on Sundays and national holidays. This fare hike is part of a broader trend in Karnataka, where government bus fares also recently saw a 15% increase. The timing of these hikes, following a proposed 45% metro fare rise in February 2025, has sparked discussions about the affordability of public transport in the city. Bengaluru Central MP, P C Mohan, previously intervened to postpone the 45% hike, calling for a more transparent and thorough review of the fare structure before implementing such a significant increase.
While the revised fare structure is intended to address rising operational costs and improve service quality, many commuters are concerned about the rising cost of living and the impact on their daily expenses. For those reliant on Bengaluru’s metro system for commuting, this fare hike raises questions about the balance between improving public transport infrastructure and maintaining affordability for the average citizen. For commuters looking to adjust to the new fare system, it will be important to plan travel times carefully, taking advantage of the off-peak discounts where possible. The increased costs may push some riders to seek alternatives such as buses or carpooling, but for those who rely on the metro’s efficiency, these changes may be seen as a necessary step towards improving the system in the long run. Bengaluru’s metro fare hike is a move that has both supporters and critics. While it is designed to ensure continued investment in the city’s transport infrastructure, it may also challenge the affordability of metro travel for everyday commuters. The introduction of peak and non-peak hour pricing aims to offer some relief, but how commuters adapt to these changes will unfold over the coming months.
