Bengaluru Metro Sees 6% Drop in Ridership After Fare Hike
Bengaluru’s Namma Metro witnessed a significant 6% drop in ridership following a recent fare hike, raising concerns over its affordability and accessibility. On the first Monday after the revision, metro footfall fell to 8,28,149—markedly lower than the usual weekday ridership. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had anticipated only a minor dip of 1-2% but was met with a sharper-than-expected decline. Daily commuters, particularly office workers and students, have expressed frustration over the steep increase, as the metro remains one of the city’s few reliable transit options amid traffic congestion. The fare surge has particularly impacted short-distance travellers, for whom ticket prices have nearly doubled at certain stations, prompting growing public discontent.
Despite the fare hike, BMRCL expects to generate an additional ₹55-60 lakh in daily revenue, even as the decline in ridership continues. The new fare structure has raised the maximum ticket price from ₹60 to ₹90, while the minimum balance required on smart cards has also been increased to ₹90. Short-distance fares have seen a marked escalation, with trips up to 2 km now costing ₹10, while longer journeys exceeding 25 km are now charged at ₹90. With commuters feeling the pinch, the debate over metro affordability is intensifying, particularly as Bengaluru struggles to maintain a balance between financial viability and accessibility in its public transport network.
Civic and Political Backlash Over Rising Metro Costs
The fare revision has sparked sharp criticism from Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, who argued that the increased pricing contradicts the fundamental principle of mass transit affordability. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Surya stated that the revised fare structure has made Bengaluru’s metro the most expensive urban transit system in India. Given that metro systems in cities like Delhi and Chennai maintain lower fares, Bengaluru’s pricing strategy has raised questions about its commitment to providing an economical transport solution. Commuters have echoed similar concerns, calling for a reassessment of the fare model to ensure that the metro remains an accessible alternative to road transport.
Metro users have taken to social media to voice their frustration, with many stating that the increased cost is forcing them to reconsider their daily commute options. Bengaluru, already grappling with notorious traffic congestion, cannot afford a decline in public transport usage, as more commuters opting for private vehicles would only exacerbate the city’s traffic and pollution woes. Urban transport experts argue that while periodic fare revisions are necessary to sustain operations and expand infrastructure, sudden and sharp hikes risk alienating regular users and undermining the very purpose of public transit systems.
Sustainability and the Impact on Urban Mobility
Public transport systems like Namma Metro play a crucial role in Bengaluru’s urban sustainability efforts, aiming to reduce vehicular emissions and decongest roads. However, the recent fare hike raises concerns about whether the metro will continue to be an attractive alternative for the city’s workforce. Studies have shown that affordable metro pricing can encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport, significantly cutting down carbon emissions and improving overall air quality. By making the metro less accessible to lower and middle-income commuters, there is a risk of reversing progress on Bengaluru’s sustainability goals.
A well-integrated and cost-effective public transport network is essential for any metropolitan city aiming for long-term environmental sustainability. If ridership continues to decline due to high fares, Bengaluru could witness a resurgence in private vehicle usage, contributing to increased fuel consumption, air pollution, and traffic congestion. Experts suggest that the city’s transport authorities should consider alternative revenue models—such as corporate partnerships, commercial space leasing, or tiered fare subsidies—to maintain affordability while ensuring financial stability. Balancing sustainability with operational feasibility remains the key challenge for BMRCL as it navigates its expansion and pricing strategies.
The Way Forward: Addressing Affordability and Ridership Stability
The decline in ridership following the fare hike raises pressing questions about Bengaluru Metro’s long-term growth strategy and its role in addressing urban transit challenges. If fares continue to rise unchecked, there is a risk of eroding public trust in the system’s accessibility, potentially discouraging new users from adopting metro travel. Transport policy analysts argue that instead of relying heavily on fare hikes, BMRCL should explore diversified revenue streams, including transit-oriented development, advertising, and state subsidies, to offset operational costs.
As commuters grapple with increased travel expenses, authorities must reassess the impact of fare revisions on daily metro usage and overall urban mobility trends. A well-calibrated approach that balances financial sustainability with affordability is crucial to ensuring that the metro remains a viable and preferred mode of transport for Bengaluru’s expanding population. If ridership does not stabilise in the coming weeks, BMRCL may be compelled to rethink its pricing model to prevent further alienation of commuters.
